Laisterdyke Business & Enterprise College

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Revision GuideAS Islam – June Exam

s.diaz

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ContentsPre Islamic Arabia...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Geography of Pre-Islamic Arabia........................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Social Conditions of Pre-Islamic Arabia..............................................................................................................................................................................................4

Religions in Pre-Islamic Arabia............................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Similarities and Differences between Pre-Islamic Arabia and Islam..................................................................................................................................................9

THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

The Background to the Life of Muhammad......................................................................................................................................................................................10

1. The Social Background..................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

2. The Political Background..............................................................................................................................................................................................................12

3. The Religious Background.............................................................................................................................................................................................................12

Conclusion on the Background.........................................................................................................................................................................................................13

Muhammad's Early Life....................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

How Muhammad was Prepared for Prophethood...........................................................................................................................................................................14

Muhammad's Call to be a Prophet...................................................................................................................................................................................................14

The Beginnings of Islam in Mecca....................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Muhammad's public ministry in Mecca............................................................................................................................................................................................16

Why persecution began....................................................................................................................................................................................................................16

The persecution in Mecca.................................................................................................................................................................................................................16

From Boycott to the Hijra.................................................................................................................................................................................................................17

Beliefs................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18

Tawhid – the oneness and unity of Allah....................................................................................................................................................................................18

The Kalam Argument as proof of Allah’s existence....................................................................................................................................................................19

Human rights and responsibilities...............................................................................................................................................................................................20

Qur’an...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21

The revelation of the Qur’an.......................................................................................................................................................................................................21

The Qur'an - Its authority & Place in Islam.................................................................................................................................................................................22

The compilation of the Qur’an....................................................................................................................................................................................................23

The role of the Qur’an in Muslim life..........................................................................................................................................................................................24

Surah 1 – Al-Fatihah – The Opening A........................................................................................................................................................................................25

Surah 96 – Al ‘Alaq – The Clot (Blood clots)................................................................................................................................................................................26

Five Pillars.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Shahadah.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Salah............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Zakah...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30

Sawm...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31

Hajj..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31

Practices............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34

The role and function of the mosque.........................................................................................................................................................................................34

The architecture of the mosque.................................................................................................................................................................................................37

Calligraphy and Shirk...................................................................................................................................................................................................................37

The role of the Imam...................................................................................................................................................................................................................38

Islam – Glossary of terms.................................................................................................................................................................................................................41

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Pre Islamic Arabia

Geography of Pre-Islamic Arabia

The Arabian peninsula was a very arid a dry place, neighboured by three seas. The Red sea, Arabian sea and the Persian Gulf

The area can be largely split into three sections. The southern peninsula of Yemen, the western coast of Hijaz and the central and eastern area, Najd.

In the southern lands towns and villages prospered as the landscape was more hospitable and agriculture was able to prosper

The increased trans-Arabian trade produced two important results. One was the rise of cities that could service the trains of camels moving across the desert. The most prosperous of these- -Petra in Jordan and Palmyra in Syria, for example--were relatively close to markets in the Mediterranean region, but small caravan cities developed within the Arabian Peninsula as well. The most important of these was Mecca, which also owed its prosperity to certain shrines in the area visited by Arabs from all over the peninsula.

Some Arabs, particularly in the Hijaz, held some religious beliefs that recognized a number of gods as well as a number of rituals for worshiping them. The most important beliefs involved the sense that certain places and times of year were sacred and must be respected. At those times and in those places, warfare, in particular, was forbidden, and various rituals were required. Foremost of these was the pilgrimage, and the best known pilgrimage site was Mecca.

The Byzantine Empire, the successor of the Roman Empire, reigned over the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, Syria, Palestine and Egypt from 330 to 1450. Before the emergence of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and its sovereignty over a huge region, Byzantium was one of two significant forces in the region, holding territory over three continents.

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Social Conditions of Pre-Islamic ArabiaJahillya – age of ignorance

Nomad - a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons

Bedouin - A nomadic desert people, the original Arabs

Qawm - Clan

Qabilah - Tribe

Tarid – Outlaw

Sheikh - Head of Clan Elders

The harsh desert environment of Arabia gave rise to forms of social organisation and a life-style that were similar to those of other nomadic peoples.

Bedouin herders lived in kin-related clan groups that dwelt in highly mobile tent encampments. Clans were in turn clustered in larger tribal groupings, but these were rarely, if ever, congregated together and then only in times of war or severe crisis.

The struggle for existence in the unforgiving Arabian environment resulted in a strong dependence on and loyalty to one's family and clan. Survival literally depended on co-operation with and support from fellow members of a clan. To be cut off from them or expelled from a clan was in most cases fatal.

Sheikh

Elders

Clans form a tribe (qabilah)

Members of one hayyconstitute a clan (qawm)

An encampment of tents forms a hayy

A tent represents a family

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Clan councils regulated the use of watering places and grazing lands, which were essential to maintaining the herds on which Bedouin life depended.

But there could be large differences of wealth and status within clan groups and between clans of the same tribe.

Though normally elected by councils of elder advisors, the sheikhs, or leaders of the tribes and clans, were almost always men with large herds, several wives, many children, and numerous retainers. The sheikhs' authority were enforced by bands of warriors, whose families made up a majority of a given clan group.

Beneath the warriors were slave families, often the remains of rival clans defeated by war, who served the sheikhs or the clan as a whole.

Fierce inter-clan rivalries and struggle to control vital pasturelands and watering places reinforced clan solidarity and loyalty. If the warriors from one clan found those from another clan drawing water from one of their wells, they were likely to kill them. Wars very often broke out as a result of one clan encroaching on the pasture areas of another clan.

In a culture where one's honour depended on respect for one's clan, the flimsiest of excuses could lead to inter-clan violence. For instance, an insult to a warrior in a market town, the theft of a horse could end in pitched battles between clan groups. Though battles were usually small in terms of the numbers involved, they were hard fought and often bloody affairs.

Clan feuds could continue for hundreds of years. The deaths of the warriors of one clan required that revenge be taken on the clan that had killed them. Their deaths led in turn to retaliation.

This constant infighting drained resources and energies that might have been put to more constructive ends. It also weakened the Bedouins' against neighbouring empires.

Crime/Moral failings

- People motivated by Greed

- Drinking, Gambling

- Manslaughter + Murder common

- Women used as slaves + Sex objects

- Rape common

- Bay girls often killed in tribes.

Family + Society

- Immorality a huge problem.

- Slaves between + used for Sex

- Women – Nov rights

- Orphans possessions unprotected.

Economic life

- Greed preordainment

- Theft, exploitation, improvised.

- No responsibility for these less fortunate.

Law + the State

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No legal System – full disorder and lawlessness

People had no rights – not even life. Blood baths common.

Quotes

Sura 48:26

While those who disbelieved were enraged, and their hearts were filled with the pride of the days of ignorance (jahillya), GOD blessed His messenger and the believers with peaceful contentment, and directed them to uphold the word of righteousness. This is what they well deserved. GOD is fully aware of all things.

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Religions in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Most Arabs followed a form of polytheism. However there were small pockets of followers of Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. There were also some Arabs who followed a form of monotheism closely linked to Christianity, they were called Hanifs.

PolythiesmPolytheism is the belief in and worship of many Gods. These gods are distinguished by particular functions and are often attributed human characteristics.They believe in multiple gods and goddesses and their belief expands in the number of gods as their culture belief system is developed.They do not worship all their gods equally, they usually worship one more than others.Many polytheists do believe in Allah (the supreme-One God), but they also believe in gods other than Allah. He was already known at the time, but he was not the focal point of all religious devotion.Polytheism was introduced in Makkah after it’s occupation by Banu Khuza’ah, particularly by their leader, ‘Amr ibn Luhayy.According to Ibn Hashim, ‘Amr once went to Syria where he observed the people worshipping idols. He enquired why they do this and they replied they did this because those idols caused the ‘rains to fall for them and victory came to them’.This shows the fact that polytheism found its way among the descendants of Prophet Ismail (p.b.u.h), from their neighbours and others. Ultimately, each and every tribe and clan, in fact, every family, had their special idol to worship.

JudaismThe founder of Judaism was Abraham, Jews are know as Gods chosen people. Abraham made a covenant with God in return for following God Abraham was promised a land for his people and prosperity.There have been many Prophets in Judaism some of the better know are Moses, David and Jesus (Jesus is considered a prophet by Jews not the son of God as in Christianity)Moses gave the Jews the 10 commandments by which they should live their life.The Jews also follow their holy book the Torah and the TenachDuring the time before the birth of M* Jews lived mainly in Judea

ChristianityChristians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ. Christians recognise Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind from death and sin.Jesus Christ taught that he was Son of God. His teachings can be summarised, briefly as the love of God and love of one's neighbour. Christians believe in the Trinity - that is, in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Christians believe that God took human form as Jesus Christ and that God is present today through the work of the Holy Spirit and evident in the actions of believers.Christians believe that there is a life after earthly death. While the actual nature of this life is not known, Christians believe that many spiritual experiences in this life help to give them some idea of what eternal life will be likeChristianity was a new religion in the time just before M* birth. It was only about 600 years old. It became the religion of the Roman Empire when Emperor Constantine declared it the state religion. When the Roman Empire disintegrated the Church split into two separate groups. The Catholics lead by the Pope in Rome was the western side of Christianity and the Byzantines who were based on Constantinople were the eastern side of Christianity.

ZoroastrianismIt was founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran about 3500 years ago. Some scholars argue that it was a lot later!Although once a very powerful religion; it is now one of the world's smallest religions with approximately a quarter of a million followers worldwide. His teachings are preserved in 17 hymns which have been difficult to translate. Moral dualism refers to the opposition of good and evil in the mind of mankind. The prophet believed he had seen God in a vision and he was chosen to do God’s work.

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Zoroaster taught that there are 2 opposing forces in the world: Good and Evil. Each person’s fate will be decided by the choice he makes between them.Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world. This God should be worshipped and a destructive energy called Angra Mainyu should be rejected.Dualism in Zoroastrianism is the complete separation of good and evil. The ongoing battle between Good (Ahura Mazda) and Evil (Angra Mainyu) within the universe.Moral dualism refers to the opposition of good and evil in the mind of mankind. God's gift to man was free will; therefore man has the choice to follow the path of Evil or the path of Righteousness. The path of Evil leads to misery and ultimately Hell. The path of Righteousness leads to peace and everlasting happiness in Heaven.

HanifsThe term ‘Hanif’ means ‘true believer’ or ‘righteous one’. The ‘haniffiya’ are seen as the followers of the religion of Ibrahim (as) and previous prophets, but also Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)At the time before Prophet Muhammad was given the revelation of Islam, the people living there believed in polytheism and only a group of Meccans were Monotheistic, as they believed in the earlier prophets, such as Prophet Ibrahim

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Similarities and Differences between Pre-Islamic Arabia and Islam

Differences1.Norms of social behaviourIn Pre- Islamic Arabia there was no unity beyond the immediate tribal structure. Tribes were openly hostile to one another. Raiding was common, as were tribal feuds, vendettas and fighting. Much blood was shed and there was a general lack of respect for life.However, Muhammad taught:* Unity Surah 3: 103* Brotherhood Surah 49:10* Mutual help and co-operation Surah 9: 71* Respect for life Surah 4:94* Intervention and Reconciliation in case of hostilities Surah 49:102. Crime and Moral FailingsGenerally, the people were immoral. On an individual level people were motivated by greed and other selfish desires and cared little for others. Jealousy, exploitation, greed drinking, gambling, manslaughter and murder were just some of the vices and moral failings of the people of Arabia. No state legal system, or indeed laws existed to deal with the situation and any intervention came from the tribes eg in the case of murder. There was no co-operation, either between individuals or tribes.Muhammad’s teachings about these problems:* Jealousy Surah 2:10* Exploitation Surah 3:162* Greed Surah 47: 38* Theft Surah 5: 38* Liquor and Gambling Surah 5:90-91* Manslaughter and Murder Surah 4:92-94.3.Family and SocietyPrior to Islam the rights of many groups of people were neglected or non-existent. Immorality was a huge problem, which Islam sought to rectify. Revelations stipulated the duties and obligations of some and the rights of others, hence introducing a fairer and more moral society. For example, the duties of husband and wife were laid out; responsibilities to relatives, the poor and needy were emphasised; the position of women, slaves etc within the society was improved, and rules regarding the protection of orphans (and their estates – which had formerly been reduced and tampered with, by their greedy and immoral guardians) were introduced.The Qur’an teaches the following about family and society:* Marriage Surah 24: 32-33* Protection of chastity and Moral Excellence Surah 4:25* Degrees for Inter-Marriage Surah 4: 22-25* Polygamy Surah 4:3+4:129* A husband’s obligations towards his wife Surah 4:4 + 2: 231* A wife’s duties Surah 4: 128 + 4:34* Divorce and its regulations Surah 35: + 2: 232* Modesty and its regulations Surah 33:33, 33:59 + 24:2* Treatment of Parents Surah 17: 23-25+ 29:8* Children’s Rights Surah 6: 151 + 6:140* Rights of Relatives and the Needy Surah 2:177* Responsibilities towards the poor Surah 69: 30-37* Rights and obligations of Orphans Surah 6:152 + 4:2* Slave Surah 16: 74-76 + 2:221

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4. Economic LifeIt has already been stated that the Pre-Islamic Arabian was primarily motivated by greed. Economic life was therefore dominated by the same principle. Theft, exploitation, fraud and a whole host of other forms of activity which a Muslim would consider immoral were common. In addition, not only id these acts exist, but they also went unpunished. The people of Arabia also felt no responsibility towards the more unfortunate members of their society.Muhammad introduced many changes to Economic life.Muhammad taught the following:* Economic Activity within an Islamic framework Surah 6:145* Private property (its protection) Surah 5:38* Protection of Economic Rights Surah 4:5-6* Socio-Economic Responsibilities Surah 4:7-8* The welfare due Surah 76: 8-9* Laws of Inheritance Surah 4:11-12* Illegal Economic Activity Surah 2: 188, 24:19, 2:278-280, 3:161, 24: 23.In effect Islam introduced honesty into business and a whole new economic framework for Arabic society.

5.Law and the StatePre—Islamic Arabia was full of disorder and lawlessness. People had no rights; not even the right to live could be relied upon, as murder and the frequent blood baths testify. Islam changed this situation, introducing fundamental rights laws and regulations.Some of the teachings of Islam that were introduced include:* Security of life Surah 17: 33* maintenance of law and order Surah 7:85Islam brought about a completely new way of life for the people of Arabia, changing not only religious beliefs, but social and economic structures and introducing a new legal and moral code; uniting the people in the brotherhood of believers.Some of the major commandments of Islam can be found in:* Surah 6:151-153* Surah 17: 22-39.

THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET

What follows is based on the evidence for Muhammad's life as found in the early biographies of ibn Ishaq, ibn Hisham and al'Waqidi. These are the basis of almost all the current biographies by both Muslim and Western scholars

The Background to the Life of Muhammad

Muslim scholars often refer to the period in Arabia before the Call of Muhammad as Jahiliyya - (days of ignorance). For some this means they were days when the people of Arabia were uneducated and uncivilised.

In that benighted era, there was a territory where darkness lay even heavier than elsewhere... Arabia stood isolated, cut off by vast tracts of desert... There was no law except the law of the strongest... Whatever notions they had of morals, culture and civilisation were primitive in the extreme... They worshipped stones, trees, idols, stars and spirits; in short everything conceivable except God... They revelled in adultery, gambling and drinking. (Abul Ala Mawdudi).

For others they mean the days when the Arabs were ignorant of the truth of Islam despite the work of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail in Arabia, Bedouin polytheism was centred on Mecca where the Ka'ba was the main centre of pilgrimage. They believed in many godsincluding al'Manat (the goddess of fate), al'Uzza (the all powerful goddess of love) - who were daughters of Allah (the chief God) and his wife Allat. There were many other gods and goddesses whose names have not been preserved. Apparently there were at least 300 statues of gods and goddesses in the Ka'ba when Muhammad captured it in 630CE.

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It is probable that this polytheism was based on the more advanced polytheism of the ancient southern empire of Arabia.Certainly the Bedouin believed that the gods lived in the sky and they believed Allah was immaterial. There was very little mythology about the gods, no holy literature and very little organised worship other than the pilgrimage. However, all meat had to be slaughtered before idols as a type of sacrifice. As there were no holy books, there was no moral code. As long as you made the odd prayer and went on pilgrimage and made the sacrifice everything would be all right. Meccan polytheism was based on trade and had little real religious content, 'from the very beginning religion was inseparable from trade', (M.A.Shaban). 2 Judaism - This had arrived in Arabia as far back as 590BCE when Jews had fled Israel after its capture by the Babylonians. There had been a large migration of Jews in the second century CE, when the Romans banned Jews from living in Palestine and the Jews tried to escape from the Roman Empire. There were several Jewish clans in the Hijaz and they

Gradually the entire region suffered a terrible deprivation of the monotheistic tradition and sank into the Age of Ignorance. People forgot God and succumbed to the temptations of the world and the lower self. (Jafar Qasimi)

1. The Social Background Arabia had never been a great empire or civilisation, though people from Arabia had frequently migrated to the empires of the Fertile Crescent surrounding Arabia which had been the birthplace of civilisation. Arabia was a desert with a scattering of oases which provided water and vegetation for life. The only fertile part of Arabia was a small strip of land in the South bordering the Indian Ocean. The Arabs were tribal (groups of people with a common ancestor) and divided. The main economy of the area was trade between the South and the North. The trade winds brought sailing ships from India to Aden in the South. Every year a caravan of merchants would be sent from Mecca with goods brought from either the Byzantine Empire to the North or the Sassanian Empire to the West. These were traded for

Indian produce which was then taken to the North or West to be sold. Mecca was approximately the half-way point between Aden and Syria and so occupied an important position on the trade route. This trade had been dominated by South Arabia, but in the early sixth century their King had converted to Judaism and his Christian subjects appealed to Abyssinia for help. The Abyssinians invaded the South,but the conflict weakened both powers so that in 580CE the Sassanian Empire was able to take over the South of Arabia. This conflict allowed a power vacuum to develop in Arabia of which Mecca took advantage. Muhammad's great grandfather, Hashim, increased the Meccan role in the yearly trade cycle. He obtained charters from the Byzantines, the Sassanians and the Abyssinians for Arab traders to move freely in these areas. Then he established a trading system in central Arabia so that traders could move freely. It was an alliance of Arab (Bedouin) tribes around Mecca to promote free trade. It was called al'hums and was based on the religion of the Ka'ba. These tribes called themselves the people of Allah and agreed not to fight each other in return for a share in the profits of the trade caravans. This had increased the wealth of the area, but this wealth was not being evenly divided. Certain clans of the tribe of Quraysh in Mecca (mainly the Makhzum and Umayyad clans) were making vast sums of money, whilst others (such as Muhammad's own clan the Hashemites) were becoming poorer. The social system was based on clans, and there was no machinery for dealing with discontent. Each clan had a council of elders (the heads of the extended families within the clan) who elected one of their members as a shaykh. He could rule on disputes on the basis of Sunna (the way in which the ancestors had done things), but there was no

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way of dealing with any new social or economic situations. The only method of determining disputes betwen clans was vendetta (you kill one of my clan and we'll kill one of yours) or war. Women were of a low social status, and female children were often killed at birth. Other parts of Arabia were much more socially advanced than Mecca (e.g. Yathrib - Medina), perhaps because of the presence of Christians and Jews, of whom there were very few in Mecca. Social and economic changes were taking place in Mecca and the system was finding it difficult to cope with them.

2. The Political Background Perhaps Western Muslim authors think that life before Muhammad was so backward because they have inherited the Western view that if Europe was backward, so was the whole world. This was very untrue with regard to 600 CE. Whilst Western Europe was in the Dark Ages, the Roman Empire had survived in the East where it was known as the Byzantine Empire. It was an imposingly advanced and civilized society. In the East was the great Sassanian Empire ruling from China to Iraq and from North India to the Caspian Sea. It had an advanced agricultural system based on irrigation and its own philosophies, literature etc. Both these empires had a long history of civilisation and had a type and standard of living not reached in Western Europe until the middle of the nineteenth century. However, these two great powers were at war with each other from 614 - 628CE and religious disputes were occurring in the areas on the edge of Arabia.

3. The Religious Background It is difficult to generalise about the whole of Arabia as there were so many religious differences. However, if we take the area of the Hijaz (the area of North West Arabia covering Mecca and Medina) we can make certain points: 1 Bedouin polytheism - This was the religion of the majority of the population - those Arabs who were still nomads, or those who had settled in oases fairly recently. Like most nomads, they were rather animistic (they thought of strange objects - rocks, trees, springs etc. - as being inhabited by spirits). They believed in jinn - the spirits of the desert who could be good or evil and who were likely to approach lone travellers in the desert. They also believed in pilgrimage to the spots inhabited by the spirits where believers tried to touch the object so some of the holiness would rub off on them. had converted many Arabs to Judaism. It was often difficult to differentiate between Jews and Arab converts to Judaism. There were very few Jews in Mecca, but it would have been impossible for Meccan traders not to be aware of Jews and their beliefs. It is possible that Medina had been a Jewish city and leader of a Jewish trade network, 'in the light of the close connections between the Madman Jews and other Jewish communities in Arabia, it is not unreasonable to suggest that a Jewish trade network existed there at the time/ (M.A.Shaban). The Jews had been successful in making converts, but there was a difficulty in accepting non-Jews as full members of 'the People of God'. 3 Christianity - This was the main religion in South, North and East Arabia. It had been the state religion of South Arabia where there was a Christian cathedral at Sana. In the desert itself there were Christian monks and hermits who were often

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visited by the trading caravans. In Mecca there were a few Christians and Muhammad's wife, Khadijah, had a Christian cousin, Waraqa. However, there were some major problems over Christianity'sbelief about Jesus being the Son of God. Most Christians believed that this meant he was God - the doctrine of the Trinity (that although God is one he reveals himself in three ways as Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This was hard for uneducated people to differentiate from a belief in three gods. If Jesus was the Son of God, did that mean he was a man when he was on earth, or God, or a mixture of the two? If he was a man, how could he be the second person of the Trinity? If he was God, how could he pray to himself? These problems had led to varieties within Christian belief and these different groups were often involved in violent conflict with each other: The Orthodox believed in the Trinity and in Jesus being both God and Man at the same time - a divine mystery which humans cannot understand. This is what the creeds say and was the dominant belief in the Byzantine Empire and in Western Europe. The Nestorians based their belief on Luke 3 v 22 Thou art mybeloved Son, today I have begotten thee.' They believed Jesus was only a man who became Son of God through what he did on earth and only became divine after the resurrection. The Arab tribes of the Hira (the East of Arabia) and the Sassanian Empire were Nestorian. The Monophysites believed that Jesus was simply God and that he only appeared to become man, really he was God all the time. They were mainly to be found in Egypt, Syria and the tribes of South and North Arabia. Most Muslim authors claim that Judaism and Christianity in Arabia were in a corrupted state The religions of the Jews and Christians at that time were so corrupted that they no longer had any appeal to reason and wisdom/ (Ghulam Sarwar4 Hanifs - There were a few Arab thinkers who had given up on Bedouin polytheism and accepted the idea of one God, but who could not accept either Judaism or Christianity. They often spent a lot of time in the desert praying and were looking for a more Arab form of monotheism. They refused to eat meat offered to idols. There was one such Hanif from Mecca who Muhammad knew, Zayd ibn Am'r.

Conclusion on the Background Clearly, Arabia, especially the area around Mecca, was in a social and religious situation ready for change, ready for a new religion of the Arabs. Muslim authors see this as God preparing the situation for the emergence of Islam, If we cast a glance at the world atlas, we find that no other country could have been more suitable than Arabia for the much needed world religion. It is situated right in the middle of Asia and Africa and Europe is not far away... Look at the history of the era too, and you will find that no other people were more suited to be endowed with this Prophet than the Arabs... It was, therefore, a manifestation of God's great wisdom that He chose Arabia as the birth-place of the World Prophet, (Abul Ala Mawdudi).

Muhammad's Early Life There are many stories concerning the birth of Muhammad which tryto show how special he was before his birth. Even the year of his birth (traditionally 570 CE) was regarded as a prestigious one. It was the year when the Abyssinians attacked Mecca with elephants in revenge for Meccan attacks on Christianity and the takeover of Yemenite trade.

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Muhammad's grandfather, Abd' al Muttalib, was the protector of the Ka'ba and defeated the Abyssinian army (which was regarded as a miracle). Muhammad was therefore born into a prestigious clan (Hashemite) of the ruling tribe of Mecca, the Quraysh. His grandmother had connections with the ruling tribe of Yathrib (Medina) and through her and his great grandfather Hashim, Muhammad had connections throughout Arabia. However, although Muhammad's background appears privileged, his life was far from privileged. His father, Abd'Allah, died before Muhammad was born. He spent his first two years in the care of his foster mother, Halima, and then when he was six, his mother, Amina died. He was put into the care of his grandfather, but he died two years later and Muhammad was left to the care of his uncle, Abu Talib, who was now the leader of the Hashemite clan. Many Muslims think this is what the Qur'anic verse 'Did we not find thee an orphan and shelter thee?' (sura 93) refers to. During his childhood his clan declined greatly in importance mainly because abu Talib wanted to protect the old trade network of al'Hums set up by Hashim and this relied on sharing profits rather than making the most you could for yourself. Other clans stepped in and made profits for themselves (mainly the Umayyad and Makhzum clans) by reneging on their contract with the Yemen. Muhammad was employed in the trading business (though some traditions say he spent his early youth as a shepherd). The biographies record a story of Muhammad being in a caravan train with his uncle which stopped at a monastery. The adults went in for a meal and Muhammad was left outside to look after the camels. One of the monks said he had had a vision of a prophet with the party and he asked if he could look for the mark of the prophet on the Meccans. However, he could not find it, so he asked if all the party had been seen and when he found that Muhammad was outside, he went to inspect him and discovered the mark of the prophet between his shoulder blades.

How Muhammad was Prepared for Prophethood There are many similar stories which reveal how the people of Mecca came to see Muhammad as a wise and just man. He was the only man who could manage to find a way of replacing the Black Stone when the Ka'ba was repaired, without any clans losing face. He was present at the inaugural meeting of the League of the Virtuous in which the smaller clans gathered together to protect the honesty of Meccan trade against the wealthy clans who were threatening to dishonour their debts to the Yemen so that they could corner the trade for themselves.He was also involved in 'the Wicked Wars' in which the Me cans defeated the Central Arabian tribes of Hawazin, thus confirming their dominance of the Arabian trade routes. Muhammad obviously learnt the techniques of trading, diplomacy and warfare during these years and by the time he was 21, he was sufficiently renowned to be employed as trading manager by a wealthy widow, Khadijah. Some Western biographers have concluded from this that Muhammad must have been literate, but the biographies assert that he never learnt to read or write.

Muhammad's Call to be a Prophet As a result of his religious feelings Muhammad began to spend time in prayer and meditation in cave Hira on Mount Nur. In particular he spent the whole month of Ramadan in prayer and contemplation and it was towards the end of Ramadan 610 CE (there is some dispute as to whether it was the 24,25, 26 or 27) when the Lailat al'Qad'r (Night of Power and Excellence) occurred. This was when God sent an angel to Muhammad with the command to recite. This was the first revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad and is found in sura 96, 'Read in thename of thy Lord and Cherisher who created, created man out of a mere clot of blood'.

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Muhammad was terrified and ran home to Khadijah thinking he was going mad. She comforted him assuring him that he was not mad, but being called by God, 'her words of consolation were in response to the Prophet's apprehensions that under the impact of Divine Revelation either he would lose his reason or his life or be confronted with the tremendous responsibility that prophethood was to entail', (Ja'far Qasimi). She took him to Waraqa who confirmed that Muhammad was the prophet God had promised in the Christian Bible to send to the Arabs.

The Beginnings of Islam in Mecca Later Muhammad received the second revelation, sura 74 The Mantled One, whilst at home resting under a blanket (mantle). This revelation ordered Muhammad to 'rise and warn' (though some scholars think this did not come till 612CE). At first he just did this among his family and close friends. The revelations continued and a pattern gradually emerged. 1 Meccan polytheism was wrong 'there is no God but God' (the beginnings of tawhid); 2 Muhammad was not being called to bring a new religion toArabia, he was being called to bring Arabia back to the religion of Islam which was the original religion of Arabia (the beginnings of risalah); 3 the Arabs were to be judged by God on their religion and way of life, therefore they had better repent and change to a good life of honesty and concern for the poor (the beginnings of akirah). Muslim scholars believe that even at this stage Muhammad had a unique reputation in Mecca, 'Even before his prophethood,Muhammad (pbuh) was the judge and referee of the Quraysh at the time of their disputes and crises. He earned the names of al'Amin (the trustworthy) and as' Sadiq (the truthful),' (Ghulam Sarwar). Muhammad and Khadijah got along so well that by 595CE he married her. According to Muslim tradition she was 15 years older than him, but that would make her 40 when they married and as she bore him at least six children, this seems very unlikely. They certainly seem to have had a good marriage and even though the two sons she bore him died in infancy, Muhammad did not practise polygamy until after her death. It was the daughters of Muhammad and Khadijah who gaveMuhammad his grandchildren. Between 595 and 610CE Muhammad became more and more interested in religion. According to the earliest biography, it was during this time that Muhammad met a hanif, Zayd ibn Am'r, who greatly impressed him. His own household also had two Christians - a young slave, Zayd ibn Harith, and his wife's cousin, Waraqa. Muhammad, therefore, had contact with monotheists and was finding Meccan polytheism more and more offensive. The frequent wars, the greed and dishonesty of the leaders of Meccan polytheism were particularly upsetting him. So Muhammad had experience of managing affairs, solving problems, dealing with crises and had been involved in war before his deep involvement in religion. As a result Muhammad, Khadijah and Waraqa began a system of morning and evening prayers facing Jerusalem during which they prostrated themselves as a sign of their submission to God. This impressed other members of the family and Ali (the ten-year-old son of Abu Talib whom Muhammad was looking after) and Zayd ibn Harith became Muslims. Muhammad's best friend, another trader called Abu Bak'r, became the first convert outside the family. Over the next three years several young members of Muhammad's clan became Muslims and by 613CE, there were about 30 Muslims.

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Muhammad's public ministry in Mecca In 613CE, the Prophet received a revelation telling him to make the message more public, 'Proclaim what you have been ordered and turn away from the polytheists', (sura 15 v 94). Whatever the exact sura, there was certainly a change of attitude in 613CE. Muhammad set up headquarters in the house of a young wealthy convert, al'Arqam, who was a head of clan and lived near to the Ka'ba. From this centre the message of Islam was given to the people of Mecca. The first place of prayer was set up in the courtyard of the house and classes in the new religion and in the revelations were held there every day. According to tradition, Muhammad made many converts at this time but they were 'chiefly weak and poor persons'. Montgomery Watt claims this does not mean exactly what it says. The converts were young members of the wealthy clans, older members of the weaker clans, strangers to Mecca who were outside the clan protection or slaves.

Why persecution began Such converts posed a threat to the Meccan leaders. If Muhammad could make himself leader of the young men of Mecca then he would eventually become leader of Mecca. Furthermore, there was a tradition that any man who developed a great reputation for wisdom should become leader and if Muhammad was accepted as Prophet, it would give him that claim as well. On top of this Muhammad was threatening the wealth of Mecca by saying that the idols were nonsense. Meccamade a lot of money through the pilgrimage in Dhu al'hijja, money they could ill afford to lose.

The persecution in Mecca Consequently, a hostile campaign was begun against Muhammad and the Muslims. There were attempts on Muhammad's life; some of his followers were tortured or killed by exposure to the midday sun; his meetings were broken up by hooligans; people threw rubbish and thorns outside the door of his house. The Muslims were strengthened by the conversion of two great Meccan warriors at this time, the Prophet's young uncle, Hamza, and Umar who came to kill Muhammad for converting his sister and was converted instead. The persecution became so bad that Muhammad sent 83 Muslims, plus their familes, who were not supported by their clans to flee to Abyssinia where they would be well treated by Christians. As the Meccans now had no way of attacking Muhammad because of their protection by the clan system (abu Talib protected Muhammad even though he never became a Muslim), the Meccan leader, Abu Jahl, began a new policy - the boycott of Hashim. Apparently this boycott was soon extended to the other clans who were members of the League of the Virtuous and Muhammad was in great difficulties. During this period Muhammad apparently received many of therevelations about the previous prophets of God e.g. sura 12 Yusuf, sura 71 Nuh, sura 14 Ibrahim. Each of these revealed how God's prophets had been rejected by their people, but in the end the will of God had triumphed.

From Boycott to the Hijra In 619CE the boycott was lifted. Some Muslims think it was lifted because of Muhammad's revelations about the prophets which were spread around Mecca, Western scholars because of the detrimental effect it was having on Meccan trade - though Abd al'Rahman Azzam claims it was because non-Muslim members of the boycotted tribes were suffering as well. It

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seemed Muhammad had been vindicated. However, a double disaster then befell Muhammad - his wife Khadijah died and his protector Abu Talib died five weeks later. He went to the nearby town of Ta'if thinking they would accept Islam, but they rejected him and actually stoned him so that he was driven out of the town bleeding. In the desert he was visited by jinn who he converted to Islam, this confirmed that God was with him and that his mission would eventually triumph (sura 72). Muhammad returned to Mecca under the protection of one of the weakest clans, but was forbidden from preaching openly in the city - he could only make converts at events like the fairs of Ukaz outside the city limits. It was in this period of grief and self-doubt that al'Miraj occurred. This was a journey by night from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven itself where Muhammad met other prophets. It is mentioned in sura 17 v 1 but the details come from Hadith. It was during Miraj that Muhammad was told to extend prayers from three to five times a day. Things must have looked pretty bleak for Muhammad at this point. Initially after his call in 610CE he had made a big impact on Mecca but now he seemed to have no future. Muhammad's only chance of missionary activity was to preach at the nearby annual fairs and it was at one of these in 620CE that he met six men from Yathrib. Perhaps because of their close contact with Judaism and consequent awareness of the nature of prophets, these six were most impressed by Muhammad, and, in 621CE, five of the six returned with seven more interested inhabitants of Yathrib. The situation in Yathrib was very different from that in Mecca. It was an agricultural oasis as well as a trading centre. It had been dominated by Jews, but it had been taken over by two Arab tribes which made alliances with the Jewish clans. These two tribes, the Aws and the Khazraj, had been fighting for leadership of the city, but the Battle of Bu'ath 618CE had ended in stalemate. It must have seemed to the 12 Yathribans who arrived at Ukaz in 621CE that Muhammad represented the best chance of success for their city. They made thefirst Pledge of Aqaba in which they agreed to serve none but the Prophet, worship God alone and lead moral lives. Muhammad sent Meccan Muslims (under the leadership of Mus'ab ibn Umayr) back to Yathrib with them so that the converts could be correctly instructed and more converts could be made. In 622CE the 12 returned with 63 converts who seem to have represented several groups in Yathrib. They made the Second Pledge of Aqaba in which they agreed to accept Muhammad as their political leader as well as their prophet. M.A. Shaban claims that the Yathribans simply wanted the trading expertise of Muhammad and the Meccans to establish a Yathriban trading centre 'they were thus securing adequate Maccan expertise and paying for it.' The traditional biographies claim that the Yathribans recognised Muhammad as the coming prophet they had been told about by the Jews, 'By Allah this is surely the prophet with whom the Jews threatened us. We must not let them get ahead of us with him', (ibn Hisham quoted by Maxime Rodinson). Some have suggested that it was a 'flight' of Muslims from Mecca to Yathrib, but the more correct term is 'emigration'. As soon as the Second Pledge of Aqaba was signed, it was clear that Muhammad would move to Yathrib, because the people wanted him to be their leader whereas in Mecca he could not even preach. The following are possible reasons for the emigration: 1 Muhammad saw the pledges by the converts from Yathrib as a sign from God that he was to leave. 2 The reaction of the Meccans when news of the Second Pledge leaked out (they tortured some of the converts and tried to stop Meccan Muslims leaving) seemed to confirm this view because if the Meccans were against it. God must be for it. 3 It must have been clear to Muhammad from the revelations he was receiving that Islam could never be just a religion. It had to be a complete way of life and it meant that politics had to be a part of religion, the opportunity to go to Yathrib as the political leader as well as the Prophet would give Muhammad the opportunity to show what Islam was really about. 4 Muhammad must have been worried about the safety of his followers in Mecca and he would be able to protect them in

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Yathrib. 5 He must have been desperate to be able once more to preach openly the revelations from God.

BeliefsIn this topic you will: examine the beliefs about Allah and human relationships.

A Muslim is someone who submits to Allah and who has made the following declaration of faith:There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.This is called the Shahadah and is the first of the five pillars of Islam on which all the other pillars rest. Allah is the central concept of the faith and the basis of Muslim beliefs.Muslims believe that Allah is the designer and creator of the universe.

Tawhid – the oneness and unity of AllahAllah is the sole creator of the universe and has no partner and no children. This statement of monotheism clearly shows a distinction between Islam and Christianity.Allah is the creator and sustainer of the universe. He did not make the universe and then leave it to its own devices but, rather, he rules and controls everything.

The doctrine of God• Tawhid: the oneness and uniqueness of God• The implications of tawhid for Muslim life• The error of shirk• Humanity’s relationship with God; the concept of Muslim, and the concept of God as lawgiver and judge

Issues arising• If God is unique, how far can God be described or understood?• How should ‘Muslim’ be defined?• Is it good to fear God?

4. Key beliefs• RisalahProphets – the nature, role and authority of prophets in Islam. Muhammad as the seal of the prophets Angels – their nature and role• AkhirahJudgement – God as lawgiver and judge; the role of recording angels; beliefs about the final judgement• The implications of these beliefs for Muslim life

Issues arising• How far is it true that, in matters of belief, the words of theQur’an are believed but their meaning is disputed?• How far are beliefs about angels, resurrection and judgement reasonable today?• What is the importance of these beliefs for Muslims today

The Attributes of Allah "The most beautiful (or excellent) names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them." Surah 7:180

According to a Hadith Muhammad said: "Verily there are 99 names of Allah, and whoever recites them shall enter into Paradise".

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Why are the 'beautiful names' or 'attributes' important to Muslims? - Allah is transcendent, beyond our comprehension and senses, and can be recognized only through His attributes. "Look, then, at the traces of Allah's mercy; how He revives the earth after its death." [Qur'an, 30:50] An important principle, which follows from Allah's transcendence, is that we may only describe Him by those names and attributes by which He describes Himself, or by which His Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has described Him.

Non-resemblance: This attribute is a major distinguishing factor between Islam and other religions. Everything we know or that we can imagine is confined to the realm of sensory experience, whereas Allah is beyond the confines of space and time. He is nothing like any notion or idea anyone may have of Him in his mind. Allah says, (translated), "There is none like unto Him." [Qur'an, 42:11] "Do you know any comparable to Him?" [Qur'an, 19:65] "Therefore, do not put forward examples for Allah." [Qur'an, 16:74].

On the 99 Most Excellent Names of Allah:"The most beautiful (or excellent) names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them." Surah 7:180 According to a Hadith Muhammad said: "Verily there are 99 names of Allah, and whoever recites them shall enter into Paradise". Based on this, many Muslims recite these names (often using a 'Tasbih', a kind of rosary with 100 beads, one, the bigger one, stands for the name Allah, and the others for the 99 names or attributes).

The Kalam Argument as proof of Allah’s existenceThese beliefs are often presented as the Kalam Argument for the existence of God:

Everything that has a beginning of its existence has a cause of its existence.The universe has a beginning of its existence.Therefore:The universe has a cause of its existence.If the universe has a cause of its existence then that cause is God.Therefore:God exists.Any representation of Allah is forbidden. This prevents idolatry and shows that Allah is far beyond human imagination and cannot be compared to anything or anyone else. To do this would be shirk (association – regarding anything as being equal or partner to Allah). Allah is transcendent and is regarded with awe and respect. He is not seen as remote and distant as Islam also teaches the immanence (all-pervading power and presence) of Allah. The natural world and daily existence can therefore lead people towards Allah.No words can describe or explain Allah properly.Surah 1 shows some of the aspects of Allah which are revealed to humans. These characteristics are sometimes called the attributes of Allah or the names of Allah.The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity in his names: for what they do, they will soon be requited. (Surah 7:180)• Fact BoxNames of AllahMuslim tradition says that Allah has 99 names.Muhammad (pbuh) said:‘Verily, there are ninety-nine names of God, one hundred minus one. He who enumerates them would get into Paradise.’ (Sahih Muslim) One of the traditions about the 100th name of Allah is that it is secret and known only to the camel which is why it always holds up its head.

Human rights and responsibilitiesIn this topic you will understand Islamic beliefs about human rights and responsibilities and human responsibility to Allah.Islam teaches that all humanity is equal. This is found in Muhammad’s (pbuh) last sermon.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to

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them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

This first passage shows Muslim regard for women and the rights and responsibilities which they have.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

This second passage from the sermon considers the Muslim view of equality and makes clear that, according to Islam, there can be no discrimination on the grounds of colour or race.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (Surah 49:13)

Muslims have responsibility towards Allah as vice-regents of his creation. In submission to the will of Allah they follow the daily struggle of Greater Jihad.

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Qur’anAimIn this topic you will: understand about the unique nature of the Qur’an and how the Qur’an was compiled.

The revelation of the Qur’an The Qur’an is the true word of Allah revealed to Muhammad (pbuh).

It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah’s permission, what Allah wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur’an) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way. (Surah 42:51-52)

The Qur’an on earth is a reproduction of the eternal original Qur’an which is in heaven.Surah 97 shows that the Qur’an came to earth on the Night of Power – Laylat-ul-Qadr.

We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand:Peace!… This until the rise of morn!Muslim theologians say that the Qur’an came to a spiritual sphere above the earth called the Bayt al-Izza, the House of Glory, where eternity meets the world of time, and that it was from there that Jibril brought it to the Prophet.

Qur’an comes from the Arabic qara’a – to read. The Qur’an is the ultimate authority in legal and religious matters and is infallible.

The three Peoples of the Book regard their sacred texts as revealed – as being the direct word of God: Judaism – the Torah, Christianity – the Bible, and Islam – the Qur’an.

The Qur’an has 114 chapters known as Surahs. The first Surah is ‘fatihah’ which means ‘opening’ and is a short prayer. The Surahs are of unequal length. They are arranged so that longest is Surah 2 and then they become shorter as they move towards the end.

Differences between the Surahs revealed at Makkah and those at al-Madinah. In general the longest Surahs were revealed later in Muhammad’s (pbuh) life so the earlier ones are towards the end of the Qur’an. These later Surahs were revealed in al-Madinah and reflect the issues with which Muhammad (pbuh) was concerned when he emigrated there.

Learning is an act of worship and therefore there have been commentaries on the Qur’an since the tenth century. These commentaries or Tasfir seek to clarify the point in Muhammad’s (pbuh) life when he received each verse. The Surahs revealed at Makkah are called Makki and those which came after the Hijrah, when Muhammad (pbuh) was in al-Madinah, are Madani.The Makki deal with Tawhid (belief in the oneness of Allah) and the call for people to turn away from idolatry and to become Muslims.

Verses in the Surahs are called ‘ayah’ – sign. Muslims believe that throughout history, from the time of the Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve), Allah has sent revelations so that people can live according to his will.

Muhammad (pbuh) received the last revelation but earlier ones are mentioned in the Qur’an:• Sahifah – the scroll revealed to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). • Tawrah, Torah, the Law revealed to the Prophet Musa (Moses).

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• Zabur, the book of Psalms revealed to the Prophet Dawud (David).• Injil, the Gospel revealed to the Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus). Muslims believe that these earlier versions were corrupted. Therefore, Islam was not a new religion taught by Muhammad (pbuh) but the original religion from the beginning of time.

Why was the Qur’an revealed gradually?

To strengthen resolve (Qur’an 25:32)To simplify memorisation and understandingTo prove the truthfulness of the Prophet PBUHTo prove the miraculous nature of the Qur’an.To reveal the laws of Islam.

The Qur'an - Its authority & Place in Islam.

It is unique: the Word of God - unchanged, unabridged, uncompromised, divinely-opened window on Reality".

It is not a book of systematic religion - it does not lend itself to study as a textbook or even as a piece of literature. It is a book of Revelation.

It is a book of guidance to man - for his every need, in his every situation. Its purpose is not simply to inform or to convince but to mould & change & transform. It does not address itself to any one if man's faculties, but to his whole personality or being. As such, it tries simultaneously to inform, persuade, convince, motivate & mobilise men & women to fulfil their mission in life.

The Qur'an provides guidance directed towards individuals & societies- undergoing reform & change. It gives guidance to those engaged in this struggle - Which was itself initiated by the revelations of the Qur’an.

The subject of the Qur’an is basically man: created as Allah's representative on earth to uphold the moral order which runs throughout the physical, created, unwise. Man has been given free will to choose good or evil, & the ability to tell right from wrong. Although prophets came to proclaim & explain the moral order, people strayed from the right path. The Shari'ah (divinely revealed principles of morals & of collective life) was abandoned. Mhd is the last Prophet - bringing the clearest opportunity.

The theme of the Qur'an is the Reality, or true knowledge which was originally conveyed to man when he was designated as God's representative, & which he has lost sight of.The purpose of the Qur'an is to invite man back onto the right course of conduct & to reawaken in him his earlier knowledge of Divine Guidance.Thus its authority-particularly in Shi'ite & for fundamentalist groups, is absolute.

a)It is never criticised.b)It only has its true divine identity in Arabic.c)It is the basis for Shari'ah.d)Each copy of the book is treated with great respect.e)Recitations are done in an atmosphere of reverence.f)It is the starting point for all acts of devotion, rites of passage, sermons etc.g)It is the entire education for Muslims living in remote or traditional communities.h)Even Mhd's Hadith & Sunnah are subject to being compatible with the Qur'an.

9.Its place in Islam is therefore central-arguably more than Mhd. He was simply the chosen instrument: the Qur'an was what he brought. Without the Qur'an, Islam in its present, organised form would not exist.10. It is its own proof of its divine origins.

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1. Muslims believe the Qur’an is the Word of God.2. They believe that unlike the Torah and the New Testament, God has taken it upon Himself to protect it from change.3. Muslims believe that the way God does this, is through Huffaz (s. Hafiz); people who have memorised the Qur’an. Thousands of people today and since the time of the Prophet have memorised the Arabic text of Qur’an.4. They believe that the Qur’an is a miracle given to the Muslims by Allah.5. It is miraculous because of the eloquence of its speech, it’s accurate prophecies and its detailed explanations of recent scientific discoveries including the movement of celestial bodies (stars and planets) and the foetus.6. It is for this reason that Muslims believe the Qur’an has complete authority for them. If a Muslim rejects anything mentioned in the Qur’an, he/she no longer remains a Muslim.7. The Majority of Muslims believe that although the Qur’an is the word of God and has complete authority over them, certain verses require explanations. These explanations are recorded in the Ahadith.8. An example of this is the injunction of the Qur’an, “Establish your prayers …”, it doesn’t mention how or when to pray, the Ahadith mention these and explain the ambiguous verses of the Qur’an.

The compilation of the Qur’anThe Qur’an was revealed over twenty years and as Jibril finished each revelation Muhammad (pbuh) recited it to his companions. They were then written down on ‘pieces of paper, stones, palm-leaves, shoulder-blades, ribs, and bits of leather’.

Once the Prophet received the revelation he would dictate these to specially selected Companions. They would write these down on bits of leather, pottery or parchment.If part of a surah was revealed, the Prophet would advise his writers where in which surah these verses belonged. The surahs were not put into an order by the Prophet. During the life of the Prophet, they were looked after by his wife Hafsah. When Muhammad (pbuh) died the Qur’an existed as separate Surahs which were not placed together. Zayd ibn Thabit, a friend of Muhammad (pbuh), copied down everything and gave it to the Khalifah, Umar. Umar left the papers to his daughter Hafsah. During the time of Umar, people had about 4 manuscripts of the Qur’an. Each had it’s own order.

Different versions were being used in different parts of the Muslim world so Khalifah Uthman (644–656) arranged for Zayd ibn Thabit to revise the Qur’an, working with people who had memorized the whole text. This text was known as the ‘Uthmanic recension’. Some people claim that it was this recension which put the Surahs in the order they are today, other sources say that the order of the Surahs was part of Jibril’s revelation to Muhammad.

Later experts of the Qur’an have categorised the Surahs into Makkan and Madinan Surahs.A Makkan surah is one that was revealed to the Prophet before he migrated to Madinah (622 CE)A Madinan surah is one revealed after 622 CE.The Makkan surahs mainly discuss issues to do with the oneness of Allah, prophethood and life after death. The Madinan surahs discuss injunctions and rulings for Muslims.

Reasons for committing the Qur'an to writing

Following the practice of the day, during Mhd's lifetime many people memorized the Qur'an. They were highly regarded & valued - called HAFIZ.

As Mhd received each of the 114 revelations he would repeat them to his followers - upon wham the recitations had a profound effect: some were fearful, some cried, some appeared to faint. These recitations would be written down on any available surface - palm leaves, bits of pottery, bones, leather stone. This collection was unwieldy & difficult to store in any order.

After Mhd's death in 632 CE there were the 'twars of apostasy" - rebellions against Muslim rule and confusions I arguments about who should be the new leader (Caliph).

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In one battle, 76 Hafiz were killed. Eventually, all ~ Hafiz would die - this would threaten the accuracy of the oral tradition as there would no longer be a definitive version of the Qur'an.

There are many Arabic dialects & languages, and as Islam spread, although it was always recited in Arabic, different versions grew in different areas.

Thus, for the sake of accuracy, consistency & unity, ABU BAKR, Mhd's friend & appointed leader after Mhd's death arranged to have the revelations made into a book.

Process of compiling the Qur'an

In the year following Mhd's death, Abu Bakr arranged for the scattered portions of the Qur'an to be collected & given to ZAIN IBN-THABIT, formerly Mhd's secretary & himself a Hafiz.

Zaid did not attempt to edit or shape the book: this was revelation from Allah & must not be altered. A committee supervised his work.

Abut Bakr's copy was kept by Umar's daughter Hafsa (who had been one of Mhd's wives).

The problem with this copy was that it was written in Kufic script, which is open to different interpretations & not universally known. This variant versions sprung up.

In the Caliphate of Uthman (644-56 CE) there were various versions available. In 651 CE Uthman appointed Zaid to chair a committee appointed to REVISE the original version & thus CORRECT variant readings. Uthman forbade the use of variant texts as soon as the Revised version was finished.The original copy of the Revised version was kept in Medinah - other copies of it were sent to 3 military camps in Basra, Damascus & Kuft. All other versions were destroyed.

Two of these survive today: one in Tashkent, Uzbekistan ex USSK, & the other in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.

Modern Scholarlv view on the process of compiling the Quran

Modern scholars, who have only recently adopted the practice already prevalent among Biblical scholars, of "criticizing" the sacred text, doubt whether Abu Bakr even had the first version made.They say Uthman found several metropolitan codices (books) in Arabia, Syria & Iraq with different readings.

Uthman, they say, declared the Medinah copy to be authoritative ("canonised" it) & ordered all others to be destroyed.

The text was finally fixed by IBN-MUQLAH & IBN-ISA in 933 CE under the supervision of IBN-MUJAHID.

Scholars claim that IBN MUJAHID reviewed all variations and allowed 7 versions which had developed due to different dialects & scripts (eg lack of vowel markings) to survive as canonical (authoritative).

The role of the Qur’an in Muslim life. Learning to recite the Qur’an is called tajwid. The Qur’an is a miracle which cannot be imitated or recreated by humans. Therefore it is believed to be inappropriate to translate the Qur’an into another language.The so-called translations are therefore regarded as paraphrases.The Qur’an has many names including: • al-mubarak – the blessing• al-shifa – the curer • al-Nur – the light.

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We said: ‘Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.’ (Surah 2:38) As well as reading and studying the Qur’an in their daily life, it provides guidance for Muslims in every aspect of life as being divine authority in Allah’s revelation.

How is the Qur’an used in worship?

Muslims regularly recite the Qur’an in Arabic as a distinct worship. Most Muslims do not understand the Qur’an, yet recite it to show their gratefulness to God for the gift of His Word. Some surahs are recited and times of need and when someone has passed away. Muslims believe that every letter of the Qur’an when recited is rewarded for. A hadith mentions that “for every letter (recited) is ten rewards.”Muslims also recite portions of the Qur’an in their 5 times prayers. For this reason even small children are taught to read the Qur’an from a very young age.Muslims also listen to live or recorded recitations of the Qur’an as an act of worship. An expert in recitation is known as a Qari. Muslims and Non-Muslims are often moved by powerful recitations.

How is the Qur’an used in the daily life of Muslims?

Muslims believe the Qur’an transformed the lives of Arabs and can offer equally transforming to peoples’ lives today.Muslims follow the rulings of the Qur’an. The Qur’an says to pray, fast and give in charity.Muslims refrain from what the Qur’an says to refrain from. The Qur’an says don’t rob, commit adultery or falsely accuse people.The Qur’an also mentions the characteristics of good Muslims. It says servants of Allah are humble, polite, good natured. They don’t backbite or call people names It also mentions the characteristics of the evil. It says poor character includes selfishness, pride, arrogance and greed.It tells Muslims how to treat other people. It speaks of the rights and responsibilities that parents, children, slaves, husbands and wives have.

How is the Qur’an used as a source of Law?

The verses of the Qur'an are categorised into three fields: "science of speculative theology", "ethical principles" and "rules of human conduct". The third category is directly concerned with Islamic legal matters which contains about five hundred verses or one thirteenth of it. The rules of human conduct include punishments for crimes committed against Allah (eg. Adultery) and against man (eg. Theft).The Qur’an is used in conjunction with the Sunnah and the practise of the Prophet is used to substantiate punishments and provides an insight into the application of a particular punishment.

Why is the Qur’an important for Muslims today?

The Qur’an is known as Al-Furqan (the criterion), it separates good from evil and right from wrong.It transformed the lives of people. It turned people who buried their daughters alive into people who would fight to adopt a young child. It provides insight into how a person should lead a country. In Surah Yusuf, it explains that leaders should knowledgeable and trustworthy. In other Surahs in mentions qualities of people with different responsiblities.It guides people to do what God wants from them.The Sunnah is just as important as it provides a practical insight into the teachings of the Qur’an. It also elaborates on verses that are ambiguous in meaning.

Surah 1 – Al-Fatihah – The Opening A1With the Name of Allah, the Merciful Benefactor, The Merciful Redeemer2In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

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3Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;4Most Gracious, Most Merciful;5Master of the Day of Judgment.6Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.7Show us the straight way,8The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

This Surah is often called the ‘Essence of the Book’ as it teaches the perfect Muslim prayer. Difficult to date - no circumstantial clues- probably about 613, from Mecca. Called Fatiha = "opening chapter". Recited in every prayer & on many other occasion~.It is a prayer of praise (verses 1-5) and a plea for divine guidance (verses 5-7). The praise is not because God needs it, but for the believer's spiritual education, consolation and confirmation. The plea is not for anything to help the human state - eg, an improved character, material needs - but for the means to achieve complete obedience & submission. This is the highest prayer for a Muslim.

Verses 1–5 These first five verses show that if Muslims pray as Allah instructed then they can have knowledge of Allah and his

attributes. They teach about the relationship between Allah and humanity and with his creation. They explain the origins of humanity and also that the final goal for humanity is its spiritual destiny under Allah’s

judgement.Verses 6–7

These verses are about how people should pray. Human prayer is hardly worthy of praise to Allah. Humanity searches for futile things and needs physical things such as food which must be requested of Allah. The prayer sums up faith, hope and ambition and how Allah’s guidance shows people how to follow the correct way

through life. "Guide us in the straight path" = "show us the straight path then keep us on it". No human can do this for himself.

"Straight" often means narrow, or steep -i.e. difficult, & not always immediately obvious as God's choice. Divine help is needed to find, & remain on the right path in life.

"Thou hast favoured" - those who have found the right path have received a gift from God. Notice the active verb. God blesses.

"Nor of those who are astray", 2 categories of men in the last 2 lines of the sura:-a) God is wrathful against those who deliberately disobey him.b) God does not protect those who carelessly or negligently stray into wrong God's blessing (Grace) cannot be given to either category.

Surah 96 – Al ‘Alaq – The Clot (Blood clots)Verses 1–5The opening of this Surah is the first revelation which Muhammad (pbuh) received from Jibril:

Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created—Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful—He Who taught (the use of) the pen—Taught man that which he knew not. (Surah 96:1–5)

Muslims believe that, following these verses, there was a break of up to a year before the revelations continued with Surah 68. Verses 1–5 instruct Muhammad (pbuh) to preach.

Verses 6–19

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The next section of the Surah, verses 6–19, explains that the main obstacles in preaching the word of Allah is human vanity, obstinacy and insolence:Day, but man doth transgress all bounds,In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).Seest thou one who forbids—A votary when he (turns) to pray?Seest thou if he is on (the road of) Guidance?—Or enjoins Righteousness?Seest thou if he denies (Truth) and turns away?Knoweth he not that Allah doth see?Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock—A lying, sinful forelock!Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades):We will call on the angels of punishment (to deal with him)!Day, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)! (Surah 96:7-19)

The Surah explains that Muhammad (pbuh) has been chosen to proclaim the message of Allah. Allah wishes to teach humanity but people believe that they are self-sufficient and turn away from the truth, and mislead others. It is impossible to hide from Allah and eventually he will judge all lies, sin and rebellion and subdue evil.

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Five PillarsAimIn this topic you will consider the Five Pillars: shahadah, salah, zakah, sawm, hajj; and their impact on Muslim lifeThe Five PillarsThere is no set order for the Five Pillars.All Muslims must follow the Five Pillars. A Muslim is someone who submits to Allah and who has made the following declaration of faith:There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.This statement is called the Shahadah and is considered to be the first of the five pillars of Islam on which all the other pillars and the whole faith rests. Allah is the central concept of the faith and the basis of Muslim beliefs.

The Concept of Worship a. “Verily We have created you so that you worship (me)” Qur’anb. Worship literally means to humble yourself.c. Muslims believe that they have been created to worship Allah.d. Worship includes Salah (to pray 5 times a day), Sawm (fasting in Ramdhan), Zakah, Hajj, staying away from sin, eating and drinking halal, marriage, and every facet of life if a person ensures that he/she does it for the right reasons..e. Some people would say that intentions are more important than the action itself. If a person prays or gives in charity to show off or to please anyone other than Allah, this is incorrect. “Every man shall have whatever he intended.” (Al-Bukhari)f. Others says that although intentions are important, most actions normally start off as showing off and then slowly it becomes a habit and eventually it becomes a sincere worship solely for the pleasure of Allah. The Concept of Pillar In the Middle East every house was supported by pillars. The support of the “House of Islam” is the “Five Pillars” of declaring (the oneness of Allah and the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad PBUH), Salah, Sawm, Zakah and Hajj.These pillars are all practical things they are not theoretical. These pillar provide an identity for Muslims and seperates them from non-Muslims.

Shahadah · “Say! I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast.” (Hadith)· “A person who says “There is no God but Allah” will enter paradise.” (Hadith)· Declaration of the Kalima “La ilaha illa Allahu Muhammadur Rasulullah” is the Muslim Creed. It is a summary of what Muslims believe.· It has two parts to it.The Shahadah is recited by Muslims throughout the lives as a way of showing their gratefulness for God’s favours to them. New Muslims will recite the Shahadah as a way of declaring their faith to other people. The shahadah is announced during the Azaan (call to prayer) 5 times a day. They are part of the words a father will say into the ears of a new born baby. This is the most important pillar because without this the other pillars are worthless.

Salah Salah is a celebration of the Me’raj. Muslims believe that when the Prophet was about 45 he was taken by the angel Jibra’eel to the heavens. Allah blessed him with the gift of prayer.

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The Companions of Muhammad always wanted to communicate with Allah, show their gratefulness, seek His pardon and request their needs. Salah allowed them and all Muslims to communicate with Allah.Salah is the greatest expression of humility. When a person places his/her forehead in front of someone, it shows that they believe they are completely helpless and in need. This is the essence of worship.We all have lives which rarely involve remembering Allah, by praying 5 times a day a person is reminded to switch off and remember the purpose of his/her creation.Many places of work, schools, airports and government buildings have rooms for people to pray in.Muslims believe if they miss a prayer they must make up for it by performing it when it is convenient.Salah reminds Muslims just as the postures of Salah must be according to the dictates of the Shari’ah (Islamic Law) so too should their whole lives, as Islam is a complete way of life. Salah is compulsory prayers five times a day: • Fajr (between dawn and sunrise) • Zuhr (after mid-day) • ‘Asr (between late afternoon and sunset) • Maghrib (between sunset and the end of daylight) • ‘Isha’ (night, until dawn).

Muslims can pray to Allah anywhere but the command is to pray five times daily. Sometimes prayer may take place in the mosque but often it is at home or a workplace. The essentials are that at the set times Muslims should face the Kab’ah in Makkah (see page 6) and pray in a clean place. They need a means of telling the time, especially if they are in a non-Muslim country where there may be no call to prayer, and they need to know the direction of Makkah. The prayer times were arranged so as to avoid any idea that Muslims were worshipping the sun at sunrise, noon or sunset. They are worshipping the creator of the sun, Allah.O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. (Surah 7:31)

Muslims must prepare themselves with a ritual sequence called wudu – meaning ‘to wash’.• The person says, ‘In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful’.• The hands are washed.• The mouth is rinsed three times.• Water is sniffed into the nostrils then blown out. This is repeated three times.• The face is washed three times using both hands.• The right arm and then the left is washed three times.• The hair, neck and ears are wiped over with wet hands.• The right foot and then the left is washed to the ankle.• Finally, the person makes the declaration of faith, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’

This is an outward cleaning which symbolises the purity of the heart and soul. In the desert, travellers may use sand for the ablutions if water is not available – this is called tayammum.After sexual intercourse a full bath – ghusl – is needed before prayer. Muslims cover their heads before praying. Men wear a small cap called a topi and women wear a burka, which is a shawl over their heads and shoulders. The direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah is shown by the mihrab in the qiblah wall of the mosque. If Muslims are unable to say their prayers at the correct time for a valid reason, they can say a number of prayers together at the next set time. Salah is fard (obligatory).Muhammad said, ‘If one of you had a river right by his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think that there would be any dirt left on him?’ They said, ‘Not a trace’. He said, ‘That is how it is with the five prayers; by means of them God washes away all sins.’ (Hadith)

The Qur’an also commands prayer:So (give) glory to Allah, when ye reach eventide and when ye rise in the morning;

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Yea, to Him be praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline. (Surah 30:17–18)

So woe to the worshippersWho are neglectful of their prayers, (Surah 107:4–5)

Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy. (Surah 20:130).

The Qur’an also required that prayer should be done with the right intention and should also be accompanied by good deeds:Those who (want but) to be seen (of men), But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs. (Surah 107:6–7).

• Fact BoxSalah consists of an introduction followed by two, three or four cycles of movements according to the time of day:• Fajr 2• Zuhr 4• ‘Asr 4• Maghrib 3• ‘Isha’ 4Each cycle is called a rak‘ah and is made up of a routine involving reciting whilst standing (qiyam), bowing (ruku) or prostrating (sajda).Once salah is completed, the Muslim raises his or her hands with palms upwards and commences Du‘a. This is personal prayer and can be in the person’s own language.

Zakah The other 4 pillars are mainly about a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, however Zakah is also about a Muslim’s relationship with Man.Zakah reminds Muslims that not only do they have duties towards Allah but they also have a duty to look after other humans.Muslims believe that wealth is a gift from Allah that they must be grateful for and share with others. They should only earn Halal and avoid earning and spending money on Haram.Rich Muslims are to give 2.5% of their excess wealth in charity. Calculating Zakah is a process that involves accounting for all your income, looking at all your current assets and calculating how much of that should be given in charity.This checking also reminds Muslims of the need to account for the good and bad they do in their daily lives.Zakah is purification of wealth by payment of annual welfare due.Zakah began in al-Madinah where there were widows and orphans to be looked after. Muslims see wealth as a gift from Allah which is for the benefit of humanity and it should be shared. Wealth is a sign of brotherhood and unity and benefits the givers as it frees them from greed, selfishness, materialism and hypocrisy and helps their spiritual growth. All Muslims with sufficient means must give two and a half per cent of their income and savings each year (after they have taken care of their families) to the needy and for community projects.Zakah helps the poor materially but also spiritually as it purifies them, because it frees them from the temptation to be jealous and resentful. The rules of zakah are complex and there is a cut off point so that the poor, who need everything they have in order to survive, pay nothing at all.• Fact BoxZakah in general is 2½ per cent (one fortieth) of surplus income.For produce from the land it is 10 per cent if the land is irrigated naturally and 5 per cent if it is irrigated by hand or by machinery. For cattle it is one one-year old for every thirty animals.For goats and sheep it is one in every forty and for every five camels a sheep or a goat is the payment. For precious metals it is 7½ per cent but this excludes jewellery which is worn regularly.

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For mining produce, such as coal and oil, it is 20 per cent.For rented property it is 2½ per cent of the net income after repairs. For an unexpected gift it is 20 per cent.Muslims can also make sadaqah, voluntary contributions, at any time.The money from zakah cannot be used for the upkeep of a mosque so it is distributed to help the local needy or sent to Muslim aid organisations. Zakah is paid annually each lunar year often just before the festival of Id-ul-Fitr when the fast is finishing. Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. (Surah 9:60)Muslims are all part of the ummah and help or are helped by other Muslims all over the world.

Sawm Muslims believe fasting is the most sincere form of worship. Salah may be done to show someone how religious you are, you may give in charity to show people how generous you are and you may go to Makkah every year to show people how dedicated you are. Fasting is different, staying hungry from dawn to dusk will definitely include periods of time when nobody is around to see you not eat. This is why it is so special.In the Hadith it is mentioned that the reward of fasting is (in the knowledge of) Allah (alone).Fasting as well as detoxicating the body it also allows a person to focus on other aspects of life not related to eating.It allows Muslims to think of and empathise with the poor and sick and encourages them to give in charity.Muslims have to fast for the month of Ramadhan.The month of Ramadhan is a celebration of the gift of the Qur’an. Nights are spent in it’s recitation in the mosque and days are spent with individuals reciting it on their own.There are daily collections from charities based all over the world in almost every Mosque in the UK.The end of Ramadhan is celebrated with the Festival of Eid Al Fitr.Before this day Muslims give money to charity to allow the poor to also enjoy this day. This is known as Sadaqatul Fitr. This is equivalent to about 2 kilos of wheat or about £1.50.Sawm is fasting in the month of Ramadan from just before dawn until sunsetRamadan recalls the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) and when Allah looks with special favour on creation.During Ramadan, all healthy adult Muslims are required to fast during daylight hours. This is the part of each day when a white thread can be distinguished from a black thread.The rules are strict: nothing must pass the lips; no food, drink, gum and no smoke from cigarettes. Unintentional breaking of the rules, such as accidentally swallowing water when taking a shower, is excused.Children under the age of puberty, menstruating women, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the elderly, the sick, travellers and soldiers are exempt. The prayer before breaking the fast is:‘O God! For your sake we have fasted and now we break the fast with food you have given us.’Muhammad (pbuh) broke his fast each day with a few dates or a drink and most Muslims follow this example. This is Iftar. In the evening, after the prayer of maghrib, the family joins together for a meal. Suhur is an extra meal which is sometimes eaten before daylight when Ramadan falls in long summer days. Each day, before the fast begins Muslims make a statement of intention:‘O God, I intend to fast today in obedience to your command and only to seek your pleasure.’As well as the usual five daily prayers there is an extra ‘salah’ called ‘tarawih’, performed after the ‘Isha’ prayer.Id-ul-Fitr is the first day of the month of Shawwal and celebrates the successful conclusion of Ramadan. Id begins when the new moon appears, signifying the start of the new month.

Hajj Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, which each Muslim should undertake at least once in a lifetime if he or she has the health and wealth.The pilgrimage is made during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. And complete the Hajj or ‘umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer

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sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the ‘umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment. (Surah 2:196)(Hajj can only be made in Dhul-Hijjah. Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage which can be carried out at any time.)The pilgrimage begins when a Muslim puts on ihram and makes the niyyah:‘Oh God, I intend to perform the Hajj and I am taking Ihram for it. Make it easy for me and accept it from me’. Ihram is a white seamless garment – a symbol of purity which also shows that all Muslims are equal. People put on ihram at places called miqat, ten miles outside of Makkah. During hajj Muslims must observe the prohibitions of Ihram:• no perfume• no jewellery, except women’s wedding rings• no wearing of gloves• no deliberate cutting of hair or fingernails • no uprooting of plants, no cutting down of trees on the journey• no hunting, no bloodshed, except in dealing with bedbugs, fleas, snakes and scorpions• no carrying of weapons• no sexual relations, no kissing, no flirtatious thoughts• no engagements nor taking part in weddings. Pilgrims now recite the Talbiyah:‘Here I am, O Allah, here I am! I am here, O Allah without equal, Here I am! Yours is the praise, the grace and the Kingdom. No partner do you have.’Muhammad (pbuh) performed umrah but only performed hajj once, shortly before his death. Hajj takes place between the eighth and thirteenth days of Dhul-Hijjah. The four rites are found in the Qur’an:• Putting on Ihram• Doing tawaf (circling the Ka‘bah)• Going to Arafat• Making the last tawaf after returning from Arafat.The route taken by most Muslims is:• On the first day, at Makkah, they visit the Great Mosque and walk round the Ka‘bah, seven times anticlockwise. This is tawaf.• They walk quickly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.• They travel to Mina where they camp.• On the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah before sunrise they go to the plain of Arafat for the stand before Allah.• After sunset, the pilgrims go to Muzdalifah and collect stones.• The following morning they return to Mina and throw stones at three pillars.• The pilgrimage ends with animal sacrifice.The pilgrims will sacrifice a sheep, a goat or a camel to recall that Ibrahim had been willing to make a sacrifice and to show that they too are willing to obey Allah.This sacrifice is part of Id-ul-Adha, marking the end of the Hajj.After the sacrifice men may have their heads shaved and women trim their hair by at least two and a half centimetres. The pilgrims are now free from all the restrictions of ihram.Having completed the hajj, the male pilgrims are Hajji and the females take the title Hajja.Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;“That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.“Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.” (Surah 22:26–29)Returning for a final circling of the Ka‘bah, the pilgrims may go home or visit Madinah.

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As with the other pillars of Islam, the observance of hajj not only helps strengthen the faith and commitment of the individual Muslim in their task of submission to the will of Allah but also strengthens the ummah as Muslims make their observances together.

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Practices

The role and function of the mosqueHouse of prayer in Islam. The English word, "mosque", comes from the Egyptian Arabic "masgid", while in common Arabic it is "masjid."A mosque is symbolically very important to Muslims, being a humble way for humans to recreate pure divine presence on earth. But mosques are not built according to divine patterns (as is alleged by many other religions) — they are simply divinely guided. The main religious texts provide no clear rules as to what a mosque should look like.Mandatory elements for a mosque include that it should point the direction to Mecca (this direction is called qibla). This indication in most mosques is a mihrab, a niche in the wall. The area in front of the mihrab must be roofed. In the wall of the mihrab there can be no doors. As for the other walls, there can be as many doors as the builders want.There are 2 types of mosques: the main mosque is called jama'a, and is the one where the Friday prayer is recited. The jama'as are often richly adorned. In English, the term jama'a is rarely used, "Friday Mosque" or "Great Mosque" being the common term.The other type of mosque is called masjid, and is the local and smaller mosque. While these can be richly adorned, they can seldom be compared to the jama'as.Masjid is a word meaning 'place for prostration' and they were used by the early Muslims for houses of worship, even at times for other religions. Today the Arabic 'masjid', and the English 'mosque', are used exclusively for the religious houses of Islam. With the significant increase in jama¢as (main mosques) after the 9th century, the term 'masjid' came more and more to be used for small and insignificant mosques.Mosques form centres in cities, or in neighbourhoods of cities. This function does not always have to be structured, but it can be connected to mentality, so that the establishment of a new mosque often facilitates the emergence of a city centre. This characteristic was typical in older days, but is becoming more and more unusual.Very few mosques lie in open areas, and very few mosques do not have shops and commercial activities in the streets around it. People's houses are often lying in a second "circle" around the mosque and the shops. Other social functions that have often been connected to mosques, include schools, law courts, hospitals and lodging for travellers. This pattern is based upon the Madina mosque, but is of less importance today, since city planning more and more uses Western models.

FEATURES OF A MOSQUE(MASJID)The MinaretOne of the main distinguishing features of a Masjid is the tower, which is called a Minaret. Traditionally the call to prayer (adhan) was made by the muezzin from the balcony near the top of the minaret. In the modern Muslim World, loudspeakers are used to amplify the muezzin’s voice. In Britain the adhan is usually called within the prayer hall, though at some Masjids special permission has been granted for external loudspeakers to be used for certain prayers.

The Dome The distinctive dome-shaped roof on a building often indicates a Masjid, though it is not an essential feature. In hot countries the shape is very useful as it keeps the inside of the building cool and airy. Acoustically, the dome acts to amplify the voice of whoever is addressing the congregation.

The Mihrab Arch and Qibla WallThe direction of prayer is indicated within the Masjid by the qibla wall. When facing this wall, one is also facing towards the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah,(Saudi Arabia), which is the centre of the Muslim World. The Imam faces into the mihrab when leading congregational prayers, and this shape of the mihrab helps to reflect the sound of this voice backwards to the congregation. Mihrabs are usually decorated beautifully with patterns and Islamic calligraphy traditionally written in Arabic.

The Minbar The stepped platform to one side of the mihrab is a pulpit and is called the minbar. It is used by the Imam to address the congregation before Jumm’a (Friday) prayers and on other special occasions.

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Ablution FacilitiesCleanliness is one of the requirements before a Muslim offers prayers; therefore ablution or partial washing(wudhu) is performed. Facilities are normally provided in Masjids for this purpose, so that clean running water is always available. Hands, mouth, nose, face, forearms head, neck, ears, feet and ankles are washed in the manner established by the Holy Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon Him). The stools shown in the picture are installed to make it easier to wash the feet. These facilities are available in most Mosques.

The MadrassahTeaching children to read the Arabic language and to study the Holy Quran is a vitally important concern for all Muslim communities. The building used for this purpose is usually adjacent to the Masjid, and holds daily classes for boys and girls many of whom start attending from age 5 years after their day school. Some pupils attend until they have completed the reading of the Holy Quran, but others remain studying until they have learned and remembered the whole of the scriptures. A Muslim who can recite the Holy Quran from memory is called a hafiz. Classes for teaching the Urdu language are also held here.

Opening Times The Masjid is open for the five daily prayers throughout the year, and often at other times also. Prayer times vary according to the season, and are indicated by a display board or clock face within the prayer hall. The main congregational prayer each week is held on Fridays in the early afternoon, known as Jumma Prayers. This picture shows a clock timetable of the prayer times.

History and DevelopmentThe original mosque is the one in Mecca. It is built around the area that surrounded the Ka'ba in pre-Islamic times. This mosque, and the Ka'ba, are the holiest shrines of Islam.The basic model for early mosques, however, was the courtyard of Muhammad's house in Madina, which was constructed in 622 CE. This was organized with a qibla, which at first faced in the direction of Jerusalem. To the left of this qibla, houses for Muhammad's wives, were erected. There were three entrances to the courtyard. An area of the courtyard was roofed, and here prayer was offered. After 1.5 years the direction of the qibla was changed, in order to face Mecca.This Madina mosque had social, political, and judicial functions, in addition to housing Muhammad's family. The religious functions were mixed with other functions. Rules on how prayers should be offered seem not to have been defined during this first period, much because this was the period during which the Koran was revealed to Muhammad: the rules had not yet been given.In addition to the early mosques of Mecca and Madina, there are sources indicating other contemporary mosques in other towns.Mosques soon evolved more complex and uniform shapes. A minbar, the pulpit, from where the Friday prayer is held, was placed next to the mihrab. Within a few years after the death of Muhammad, mosques became such important symbols, that when Muslim conquerors established themselves somewhere, a mosque erected first, and then the military camp was built around it. This building process was inspired by the Madina example. But in the cases where the Muslims conquered principal cities, they constructed the mosque in the place that was the centre of the religion of the conquered people.As Islam began, tribes and sects often marked their independence or their purity by erecting mosques of their own or by defining a certain part of the mosque as their part. This approach has changed down through history, but the situation today is not as tolerant as it might appear. Muslims of all creeds are in theory free to enter all mosques, but a Muslim of one orientation will in reality find mosques used by Muslims of other orientations inappropriate. A travelling Muslim will try to find a mosque which is used by people belonging to his own creed, usually defined by one's Sunni, Shi'i and Ibadi adherence. Mosques under control of the government or dominated by Islamists are considered inappropriate by many. But as for the jama'as, the largest mosques, these are considered neutral, and are used by Muslims of all creeds.

The first 80 yearsThe design of the mosques developed in a short time from being very simple to becoming complex structures. In the first mosques in Hijaz minimal attention was paid to the form of the mosques. The time during which the mosque assumed the current pattern was only 80 years. The form taken by mosques was often the product of a mix of architectural styles from the conquered territories and of the original pattern of Muhammad's mosque.

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Introduction of the minaretThe first minaret (the tower from which the call to prayer is made) was probably erected in 703, in Kairouan, Tunisia, almost 80 years after the Madina mosque. But there are written materials suggesting that minarets were erected as early as 665 CE.The minaret was absent in the early mosques, and its addition was inspired by religious buildings of other religions. The main influence probably came from the churches of Syria.The implementation of minarets was both for embellishment of the mosques, and for functionality. High up in the minaret, the muezzin calls to prayer (adhan) could be heard much further away than if it were performed from the roof of the mosque.Nevertheless, for some time after the introduction of the minaret, the adhan would be performed with the muezzin walking through the streets while calling to prayer.The addition of adornments to the mosques was hotly debated, and many Muslims opposed this process, thinking of it as a way to jeopardize the purity of Islam, by introducing foreign and Christian elements.

Extended functionsOver time, many rooms were added to the mosque, rooms used by people of different social classes, used to carry out various professional responsibilities, and offered to travellers, sick and old. Devout and ascetics often lived in the mosque, perhaps even in the minaret.Other elements inside a mosque include:

Dakka; a platform, from where the muezzin calls to prayer, after he has done this from the minaret. Kursi; a desk and a seat, for the Koran and for the reader. Reliquaries, where bodies, parts of bodies, or belongings of deceased religious personalities are kept. Carpets covering the floor of mosques Lights, both candles and lamps, used for illumination, but not ritually Incense, used especially in conjunction with festivals Water, in the courtyard, both for ablutions, and for drinking

AdministrationThe mosques have often been built by rulers, and the administration of the mosques has been financed by waqfs, endowments bringing in revenues.These waqfs were normally agricultural land, often administered by the donor, or members of his family, and could in some cases have a location far away from the mosque it financed. There could be more than one waqf for each mosque. Mosques with economic problems, often sought donors.While mosques officially have been administered by the rulers, direct control has been difficult, largely because of the economic independence (provided by the waqfs), as well as the mosque's status in popular opinion. The primary donor, and his family, was in many cases legally considered the owner of the mosque. In other cases it was the qadi, the judge of Sharia, who acted as the main administrator, nazir, of the mosque. The power of the nazir was considerable, and the position of the nazir have often given place to intense conflicts between individuals and groups.The factual leader of salat in the mosques, was the ruler, who held the title, imam. Local administrators, had a parallel position, with the title ala salat. The actual main leader of the mosque was the khatib. His role was to perform the salat on Fridays, since the imam could not attend. This salat is called khutba. The khatib could be a qadi, and in larger mosques, several khatibs could be appointed.

Rules for mosqueWhen entering the mosque, a person should take off his shoes or sandals. Entering the mosque is done with the right foot first, while pronouncing blessings upon Muhammad and his family. Once inside the mosque, two rak'a (part of the salat) are to be performed. A person inside the mosque speaks softly, not loudly, so that he or she does not disturb people praying. For the Friday prayer, nice clothes and perfumes are recommended.Women are not prevented by either the Koran or the Sunna from entering mosques, but there are regulations as to how a woman in a mosque should behave. Mosques can be segregated, either in time, or in space. But through most of Muslim history, women entering mosques have not been welcomed by men. Mosques have in many cases been closed to women, a tradition either regulated by local rules or by habit. Women have, therefore, resorted to pray in their homes.

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While the salat can be performed anywhere, it is considered more meritorious when performed in the mosque, i.e. together with other people. The Sunna states that salat in the mosque is 20 or 25 times more valuable than the one performed in the home.The Friday prayer or sermon, khutba, is considered to be compulsory for all male Muslims. The regulations for the khutba developed over a long period, approximately 2 centuries.

The architecture of the mosque

A hypostyle hall has a flat ceiling which is supported by columnsDomes and cupolas (a smaller dome like feature)Arabesque is an element of Islamic art usually found decorating the walls of mosques and Muslim homes and buildings, the arabesque is an elaborate application of repeating geometric forms that often echo the forms of plants, shapes and sometimes animals Calligraphy Instead of recalling something related to the reality of the spoken word, calligraphy for the Muslim is a visible expression of spiritual concepts. Calligraphy has arguably become the most venerated form of Islamic art because it provides a link between the languages of the Muslims with the religion of Islam. The holy book of Islam, al-Qur'ān, has played a vital role in the development of the Arabic language, and by extension, calligraphy in the Arabic alphabet. Proverbs and complete passages from the Qur'an are still active sources for Islamic calligraphy.

The Hypostyle Mosque: Mosque in which the prayer hall is formed of rows of vertical supports, or columns, that can multiply indefinitely. Dominant type in the early period. Arab-plan or hypostyle mosques are the earliest type of mosques, pioneered under the Umayyad Dynasty. These mosques are square or rectangular in plan with an enclosed courtyard and a covered prayer hall

The Iwan Mosque: Mosque in which the prayer hall is an iwan, or more, up to four iwans, surrounding a courtyard. It was the most popular type in the medieval period, and remained dominant in Iran. An iwan (Persian ايوان derived from Pahlavi word Bān meaning house) is defined as a vaulted hall or space, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open.Iwan mosques are most notable for their domed chambers and iwans, which are vaulted spaces open out on one end. In iwan mosques, one or more iwans face a central courtyard that serves as the prayer hall.

The Central-Dome Mosque: Mosque in which the prayer hall's space is dominated by a central dome surrounded by smaller and lower semi-domes. It was introduced by the Ottomans in the 15th century.

Calligraphy and ShirkIntroduction: "Calligraphy" means "beautiful writing" (or writing as a form of art). During the Middle Ages, the Muslims respected calligraphy as the highest art form because the Qur'an was written in Arabic and it represented the word of God. So calligraphy decorated the mosques and holy books of Islam. Writing was not only an artistic expression, it was a religious expression as well.

Over the centuries Arabic calligraphy expanded to include different styles of writing. Just like in English where there are many kinds of handwriting (printing, cursive, and even "graffiti style" writing), many respected writing styles in Arabic developed.

In Islam, the significance of writing stems from the essence of the religion. According to Islamic teachings, the instruction given in the very first Qur'anic revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad was: "Recite in the name of thy Lord ... Who has taught (the writing) by the pen" (from Surah 96, al-A'laq, 1-4). Welch (1979) notes that the written form of the Qur'an is the visual equivalent of the eternal Qur'an and is humanity's perceptual glimpse of the Divine. The holiness of the Qur'an lends a special aura to all forms of the written word.When the Prophet Muhammad died in 632, the Qur'anic revelation stopped. The content of the Holy Qur'an was passed from lip to lip by huffaz -- those who memorized and recited the contents of the Qur'an by heart. Many of the huffaz were killed in the battles that followed the death of the Prophet. This event alarmed the Muslim community. Omar Ibn al-Khattab, one of the disciples of the Prophet Muhammad, urged the Caliph Abu Bakr to put the Holy Qur'an in writing.

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Zaid Ibn Thabit, who served as a secretary for the Prophet, was assigned to compile and collate the revelations into a book. The first versions of the Qur'an were written in the scripts of Makki and Madani. These scripts were variants of the Jazm script and were named for cities--Makki for Mekka, and Madani for Medina. Although the scripts had different names, they were not particularly distinct from one another.

Only two scripts with distinctive features were maintained. They were Muqawwar which was cursive and easy to write, and Mabsut which was elongated and straight-lined. These two scripts had their impact on the development and creation of new styles, the most important being Ma'il (slanting), a kind of primitive Kufic script; Mashq (extended); and Naskh (inscriptional). The Ma'il script failed to achieve relative celebrity and was replaced by the angular Kufic script. On the other hand, the Mashq and Naskh were used extensively after considerable technical improvements.The intense and dramatic early development of writing ended with the rise of the Umayyad dynasty (661-755). According to Safadi (1978), the Umayyad caliph Abd-Al-Malik Ibn Marwan (685-705) was the first to legislate the compulsory use of Arabic script for all official and state registers.

To them, portraying people was considered something like making of idols. Muslim traditions did not allow for painting or sculpture (making of statues) to decorate mosques. Statues, especially, reminded them of the Greek and Roman statues showing naked gods and goddesses! According to one Hadith (saying of the Prophet): "Angels do not enter the house in which there are portrayals or pictures." So never would there be paintings or statues of people in a mosque!

Why is Arabic calligraphy such a respected art form? Why is calligraphy the main form of art in a mosque?

Arabic calligraphy is so highly respected because it shows the "word of God" in the Qur'an. Arabic calligraphy is closely connected to the Qur'an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.

No human or animal figures can be shown in a mosque. Therefore, patterns, designs, and calligraphy are the only art forms that add beauty and decoration to mosques.

The role of the ImamWhat is an Imam and who should be an Imam?An Imām is someone who leads the 5 daily prayers (Salaah) at the mosque.Ideally he should be a fully-qualified Islamic scholar and a role model for his congregation.He should have a fixed contract with clear aims and objective which can be reviewed regularly.He should be on a good salary in order to be dedicated to his job as community leader.The Imam is accountable to the public.1. Speak EnglishAside from having a sound knowledge of Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and Arabic, Imams should speak English so that they can give sermons which have an impact on their congregation. Those who are not fluent in English should seek to improve it through English classes. The Imam has to be "in touch" with the Muslim community (especially the youth), so it is vital that he is aware of contemporary issues.

Friday Khutbahs and other speeches delivered in the mosque are a guidance for the community; as well as containing the knowledge which is essential for every Muslim, they should relate to current affairs. Half of the Friday Khutbah should be in English - if sermons are not in a common language, many people miss out.

2. Stop Sectarianism!The Imam must always speak out against sectarianism and promote unity and brotherhood. As leaders, Imams can make or break this Ummah – they must show solidarity with their fellow Muslims, regardless of race or sect.

Imams of different mosques must communicate with each other and show support for one another, demonstrating to their community that at the end of the day, whether 'Pakistani', 'Bangladeshi' or 'Arab', 'Hanafi' or 'Shaf'i', 'Deobandi' or 'Barelvi', 'Sunni' or 'Wahabbi', we are all Muslims and Islam unites us all.

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3. Set an Islamic CurriculumMany mosques run evening classes for kids, commonly known as "madrasah" (Arabic for school). The books used are often in a language other than English (Urdu, Bengali etc). Whilst it is always benefi cial to learn multiple languages, one cannot expect children to fully relate to Islamic issues which they have to translate before they even arrive at understanding it.

It is vital for the Imam to set up an appropriate curriculum whereby the learning process is made easier for children by the information being available in English. GCSE and A-level Islamic Studies should be available for older students.

The Imam should also ensure that no teacher hits the students, as this is far from the example of the Prophet (s.a.w) and often turns children away from the Deen. An Imam must make sure that all his teachers go through Child Behaviour management training.

4. Cater for the CommunityThe Imam should ensure that the mosque is there to cater for ALL the needs of the community – including sports, social events, Islamic entertainment, Internet and library facilities for the youth as well as women's facilities.

The Imam should hold a weekly or a monthly/bi-monthly youth programme where guest speakers are invited and youngsters are encouraged to participate. Such activities are needed to attract the youth, educate them about their religion, and erase the perception that the mosque is a place for elderly people alone.

It is vital that the Imam is able to communicate and be approachable to youngsters.

5. Set up Social OrganisationsThe concept of the "Ummah" is fast vanishing; it is a sad state of affairs when Muslims in need of financial/emotional support are left with no other option but to turn to non- Muslims for help. The Imam should set up social organisations in affi liation with the mosque to help disadvantaged sectors of society such as the old/disabled/single mothers etc.

6. Drugs CounsellingThe Muslim community, like any other, has issues. Over 1000 of the 5840 Muslim prison inmates have committed crimes relating to drug use or drug pushing – that's one in fi ve.1 Among the youth this problem is widespread. We need to stop brushing such issues under the carpet and start addressing them properly.

This issue tears families apart, and as the leader of a community, the Imam must also put in an effort to resolve it. Drugs counselling from an Islamic perspective will inshaAllah help the affected youth and their families.

7. MediateUnfortunately it is common nowadays for families to fall into petty disputes, and the Imam has the potential to be a perfect mediator as he is impartial, respected, and can advise from an Islamic point of view which no Muslim can refute.

The Imam can offer marriage counselling and help resolve family disputes by judging solely from an Islamic perspective; he should stop and monitor sham marriages and prevent honour marriages/killings by openly condemning these actions and offering guidance.

Aside from disputes within a family, the Imam can also advise and assist on issues affecting individuals and the local community, such as antisocial behaviour, financial problems, racism, alcohol abuse and so on.

8. Visit Hospitals and PrisonsWhenever the Prophet heard that someone was ill, he would rush to visit them (Muslim or non-Muslim), pray for them and show that he was there in their time of need. We do not see enough of such compassion in today's society.

Everyone is too busy doing their own thing to go and visit people who are ill, see if they need anything, etc. InshaAllah if Imams regularly visit ill people in their community, this will not only be a great form of da"wah, but it will also set an example for other Muslims to follow

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The Imam should organise his congregation in a way that makes it possible for members of the community to take on this responsibility too.

Muslims already form 8% of the prison population. Over 65% of these prisoners are young men between the ages of eighteen and thirty. This does not include youngsters under the age of 18 who are in custodial care.(2) These people should not be abandoned, rather they should be guided and helped by their Muslim community.

Imams should visit prisons at least once a week (especially in those prisons where an Imam is not already appointed) to counsel Muslim prisoners, help with their rehabilitation, and ensure that they are not abandoned by fellow Muslims on their release.

9. Hold Da'wah ProgrammesThe Imam should organise an "open day" at the Mosque at least once a year, have regular interfaith forums, invite school children to the mosque as part of their Religious Education classes, produce literature which can be distributed to non-Muslims, etc.

The Imam is a representative of the Muslims in his community and so he has a responsibility to inform non-Muslims of who we really are, as well as making Muslims aware of the responsibility they have - each as a walking, talking advert for Islam.

10. Practice what you preachAbove all, the Imam is a role model for the Muslims in his community. No human being is perfect, but it is imperative that the Imam does not come across as having double-standards. Imams will always be good role models for the youth and elderly in their community as long as they practice what they preach

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Islam – Glossary of terms

This Arabic ‘logo-type’ is composed of the words ‘salla-llahu alaihi wa alihi wa sallam’ – peace and blessings of Allah upon him and his family. They are used after the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned.The transliteration used in this ‘school level’ general introduction to Islamic terminology is a simplification of the standard Arabic transliteration used by contemporary scholars. Some changes have been made to enable Islamic terms to be easily accessible and usable to British teachers and pupils who may not have previously encountered them.

Term Definition

Abd Slave or servant of Allah – as in Abdullah

Abu BakrThe first Khalifah that is, successor to the leadership of the Muslim community after the death of

the Prophet MuhammadAdam The first man and first prophet of AllahAdhan Call to prayer. From the same root – Mu’adhin – one who makes the call to prayer

AishahThe name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

Daughter of Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu anhum- may Allah be pleased with them.)Akhirah Everlasting life after death – the ‘Hereafter’Akhlaq Behaviour, attitudes and ethics

Al-Amin The Trustworthy – name used to describe the Prophet MuhammadAl-Aqsa Al-Masjid al-Aqsa – ‘The Farthest Mosque’ (in Jerusalem)

Al Fatihah‘The Opener’ – Surah 1 of the Qur’an. Recited at least 17 times daily during the five times of

salat. Also known as ‘The Essence’ of the Qur’anAl-hamdu li-llah Lit. Praise belongs to Allah. Frequently used as an expression of thanks to Allah.

Al-KafiLit. Enough or Sufficient. It is the title of the books of Hadith compiled by Muhammad ibn-Yaqub

Koleini, a Shi’ah scholar.

Al-Khulafa-ur-Rashidun

Lit. The ‘Rightly-Guided’ Khalifahs. The first four successors to the leadership role of the Prophet Muhammad. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (Radi Allahu Anhum – may Allah be

pleased with them all)

Al-MadinahShort form of – Madinatu’n-Nabiyy – The City of the Prophet – name given to Yathrib after the

Prophet migrated there in 622 CE and founded the first Islamic state.

Al MahdiLit. The guided one. Who will appear towards the end of time to restore righteousness. The

expected and promised Messiah.

AliCousin and son in law of the Prophet. Husband of Fatimah Zahrah, father of Hassan, Hussein, and Zainab – fourth ‘Al-Khulafa ur-Rashidun’ according to Sunni’s and the first successor accepted by

Shi’ah Islam. (Radi Allahu anhum-may Allah be pleased with them all).

AllahThe Islamic name for the One True God in the Arabic language. Used in preference to the word

God, the Arabic term has no singular, plural or gender.Allahu Akbar Allah is most great

AnsarLit. ‘Supporters’ The Muslims of at-Madinah who welcomed and supported those Muslims who

came from Makkah

ArafatPlain, a few kilometres from Makkah where pilgrims gather to worship, pray and ask for

forgiveness on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah

Asr (salat ul Asr)Mid-afternoon salat – which may be prayed from late afternoon until a half an hour before

sunset.As -Salamu alaykum Lit. Peace be upon you – Islamic greeting

Ayah (sing) Lit. Sing. A unit within a Surah of the Qur’an

Barakah BlessingsBilal First Mu’adhin of Islam (see Adhan) formerly an Abyssinian slave

Bismillah In the name of AllahBismillah ir Rahman ir In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful, the preface to all Surahs of the Qur’an except

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Rahim the ninth.

Dar ul Islam Lit. ‘Hose or Abode of Islam’. Sometimes used to refer to lands under Islamic rule.

DawahInviting people to Islam whether by literal invitation and preaching or by the example of good

actions.Dawud A prophet of Allah to whom the Zabur (psalms) were revealed

DhikrLit. Remembrance. Remembrance of Allah in ones heart, or by reciting His names or sections

from the Qur’an.Dhimmi A non-Muslim living freely under the protection of an Islamic state

Dhul-Hijjah The month of the hajj, last month of the Islamic year.Din Way of life, religion together with its practices.

Din ul-fitrah A description of Islam as the ‘natural way of life’Du’a Varying forms of personal prayer and supplication

Fajr (salat ul-Fajr) Dawn ‘salat’, which may be prayed from dawn until just before sunriseFardh Obligatory duty according to Divine Law eg the five daily times of salat

Fatihah See al-Fatihah

Fatimah ZahrahDaughter of the Prophet wife of Ali, mother of Hassan, Hussein and Zainab. (Radi Allahu anhum –

may Allah be pleased with them all)Fatwa A legal opinion in Islamic jurisprudenceFiqh Islamic Jurisprudence

Ghusl Greater ablution – formal washing of the whole body prior to worship. Se wude’

HadithSpeech, report, accounts – the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad as recounted by his

household, progeny and companions: a major source of Islamic law.Hafiz Someone who knows the whole Qur’an by heartHajar Wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) and mother of Prophet Isma’il (Peace be upon him)

HajjAnnual pilgrimage to Makkah which each Muslim must undertake at least once in a lifetime if he

or she has the health and wealth

Haji A Muslim female who has completed HajjHaji A Muslim male who has completed Hajj

HalalAny action, which is permitted or lawful. When used to refer to meat, it is that which is

slaughtered according to Islamic requirementsHaram Anything unlawful or forbidden

HijabLit. ‘Curtain’ or veil’. Often used to describe the headscarf of modest dress for women, which

requires covering everything except the face and hands in front of anyone other than immediate family.

HijrahLit. Departure, Exit; Emigration. The emigration of the Prophet Muhammad form Makkah to

Madinah in 622 CE

HiraThe name of a mountain near Makkah where the Prophet Muhammad used to go for solitude

and to worship. It was there that he received the first revelation of the Qur’an-----------X-----------

IbadahAll acts of worship. Any performable action performed with the intention to obey Allah. From

the verb Abada – to serve, and Abd – a slave. See above.

IblisThe Angel who defied Allah by refusing to bow to Adam, later became the tempter of all human

beings. See Shaytan.Ibrahim Abraham (Peace be upon him) a prophet of Allah to whom the ‘Scrolls’ were revealed

IdLit. recurring happiness – A religious holiday. Festival, feast for thanking Allah and celebrating a

happy occasion.Id mubarak ‘Happy Id!’ greeting on Islamic festivals

Id ul-AdhaFestival of the Sacrifice – commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to do Allah’s will be

sacrificing his son Isma’il. Also know as Id ul kabir – the ‘Greater Id’ and Qurban Bayran (Turskish) – Feast of sacrifice.

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Id ul-fitrThe day after Ramadan ends which is also the first day of Shawal, the tenth Islamic month. Also

known as Id al asaghar – the ‘Lesser Id’ and Sheker Bayram (Turkish – ‘Sugar feast’.

IhramThe ‘state or condition’ entered into to perform either Hajj or Umrah. Also the name of the

plain white ‘garments’ worn by male pilgrims to indicate the brotherhood, equality and purity of the pilgrim.

Ijma General consensus expressed or tacit on matters of law and practiceImam Lit. Leader. A person who leads the communal prayer.

ImamahReligious authority in Shi’ah Islam as successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the

Muslim community.Iman FaithInjil Gospel

Iqamah Call to stand up for salat

IsaJesus (Peace be upon him). A prophet of Allah who had a miraculous virgin birth and to whom

the Injil (Gospel) was revealedIsha (salat ul Isha) Evening salat which may be prayed from a little more than an hour after sunset until midnight

IslamA literal definition is ‘Peace through willing obedience to Allah’s divine guidance. An Arabic

word based on the letters S-L-M in which are also the root of the word Sallam meaning peace.

Isma’il A prophet of Allah. Son of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) and HajarIsnad Chain of transmission of each hadithJibril Gabriel the angel, who delivered Allah’s messages to His prophets

JihadPersonal individual struggle against evil in the way of Allah and in defence of the Muslim

community

Ka’bahA cube shaped structure in the centre of the grand mosque in Makkah. The first house built for

the worship of Allah, the One True God

KhadijahFirst wife of the Prophet Muhammad and mother of Fatimah Zahrah (Radi Allahu anhum – may

Allah be pleased with them)Khalifah Successor, inheritor, custodian or vicegerent

KhumsAdditional contribution to zakat of one fifth of surplus annual income paid by the Shi’ah Muslims

according to Surah 8:41Khutbah Speech; talk delivered on special occasions such as the Jum’ah and Id prayers

Laylat al-qadrThe Night of Power – when the first revelation of Qur’an was made to the Prophet Muhammad

during the last ten days of Ramadan. See Qadr.Madinah See Al-Madinah

Maghrib (salat ul-Maghrib)

Sunset salat which is prayed after sunset until daylight ends

Makkah City where Prophet Muhammad was born and where the Ka’abah is locatedMaryam The virgin mother of the Prophet Isa (Peace be upon them both)Masjid Lit. Place of prostration. Mosque

MihrabNiche or alcove in a mosque wall indicating the ‘Qiblah’ – the direction of Makkah, towards

which all Muslims turn in prayer.

MinaPlace near Makkah where pilgrims stay on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah and perform

some of the activities of the Hajj including stoning three pillars

MinbarRostrum; platform, dais; the stand from which the Imam delivers the khutbah or speech in the

mosque or praying groundMiqat Lit. A ‘place appointed’ at which the pilgrims enter into the state of ihram. See above

Mu’adhdhin Caller to prayer. See Adhan. Known in English as muezzinMuhammad Lit: ‘praised’ – Name of the final Prophet

MuharramFirst month in the Islamic calendar which is calculated from the time the Prophet migrated to

Yathrib – MadinahMusa Moses (Peace be upon him). A prophet of Allah to who the Taurat (Torah) was revealed

Mumin One who wholeheartedly yields to Allah’s guiding wisdom and is thus in harmony with His will

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and at peace with himself and fellow creaturesMuslim One who clams to have accepted Islam

Muzdalifah Place where pilgrims camp for the night after standing at Arafat during hajj

Nabi Prophet of Allah

NiyyahIntention – a legally necessary statement of intent made prior to all acts of devotion such as

salat, hajj or sawm

Qadr Allah’s complete and final control over the outcome of events or destiny. See Laylat al-qadrQiblah Direction to which Muslims turn in praying (towards the Ka’bah). See Miharab

Qur’anThat which is read or recited; the divine book revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Allah’s final

revelation to mankind.

Rak’ah A unit in salat, made up of recitation, standing, bowing and two prostrations

RamadanNinth month of the Islamic calendar – during which daylight fasting occurs as ordered by Allah in

the Qur’anRasul Messenger of Allah

Sa’yWalking and hastening between Safa and Marwah, (see below) as part of the Hajj, in

remembrance of Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail (Peace be upon him)Sadaqah Voluntary payment or good action for charitable purposes

Safa & Marwah Two hills in Makkah, near the Ka’bah – now adjacent to the grand mosque. See Sa’y

Sahih BukhariIs the title of the books of Hadith compiled by Muhammad ibn Ismail al Bukhari a Sunni scholar.

The collection is described as Sahih- ‘Authentic’

Sahih MuslimIt is the title of the books of Hadith complied by Abul Husayn Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj a Sunni

scholar. The collection is described as Sahih – ‘Authentic’

SalatIs communication with and worship of Allah, performed under specific conditions of purity, in the manner taught by the Prophet Muhammad and recited in the Arabic language. The five

daily times of salat are fixed by Allah.

Salat ul-Jum’ahThe weekly congregational prayer and attendance for the khutbah (see above) performed at

midday on Fridays.

SawmFasting form just prior to dawn until sunset everyday during the ninth month of the Islamic

calendar. Requires abstinence from all food and drink (including water) as well as smoking and conjugal relations. See Ramadan

ShahadahDeclaration of faith, which consists of the statement: ‘There is no god except Allah, Muhammad

is the Messenger of Allah’Shari’ah Islamic law based upon the Qur’an and SunnahShaytan The ‘accursed’ – a name given to Iblis. See above

Shi’ahMuslims who believe in the successorship of Ali and eleven of the most pious knowledgeable

descendants of his (Radi Allahu anhum – may Allah be pleased with them all) after the Prophet Muhammad.

ShirkLit. Association. Regarding anything as being equal or partner to Allah. Shirk is forbidden in

Islam.

ShuraConsultation of the people in the management of daily and worldly affairs. A duty prescribed in

the Qur’an on leaders at all levels from family to empire.Sirah Biographical writings about the conduct and example of the Prophet Muhammad.

Subhah String of beads used to count recitations in worship

SunnahModel practice, customs and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. This is found in both Hadith

and Sirah.

SunniMuslims who believe in the successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (Radi Allahu

anhum-may Allah be pleased with them all) after Prophet Muhammad.

Surah Division of the Qur’an (114 in all)

Takbir Saying Allahu Akbar! Recited during salat, Id and other celebratory occasions

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TawafMaking circuit seven times around the Ka’bah in worship of Allah. Also a part of Hajj and

Umrah.Tawhid Oneness of All – absolute monotheism as practised in IslamTawrah The Torah, Allah’s revelation to Prophet Musa (Moses) (Peace by upon him)

-----------X-----------

Ulema Scholars of Islamic law and jurisprudence. (Sing.- Alim)Umar Ibn ul Khattab Second Khalifah of Islam

Ummah Community; world wide Muslim communityUmrah Lesser pilgrimage which can be performed at any time of the year

Uthman The third Khalifah of Islam-----------X-----------

Wudu Ablution before salat-----------X-----------

Yathrib Town to which the Prophet migrated from Makkah, see al-Madinah-----------X-----------

Zabur Allah’s revelation to Prophet Dawud (David) (Peace be upon him)Zakat Annual welfare due paid as an act of worship

Zakat ul-fitr Welfare payment at end of Ramadan

ZamzamWater springing near the Ka’bah in Makkah in answer to Hajar’s search and prayers. See Hajar

and Sa’yZuhr (salat ul-Zuhr) Mid-day salat which can be prayed after midday until afternoon