The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practices. These are the five fundamental acts that every Muslim is expected to follow in order to lead a righteous and fulfilling life according to Islamic teachings. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Five Pillars:

1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

• Meaning: The Shahada is the basic statement of faith in Islam. It translates to:
  “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
• Significance: By reciting this, a person declares their belief in the oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His final messenger. It is the first step to becoming a Muslim and is recited throughout a Muslim’s life.

2. Salah (Prayer) – Namaz

• Meaning: Salah refers to the five daily prayers that every Muslim must perform.
• Timings: Namaz Rakat
  • Fajr: before dawn
  • Dhuhr: midday
  • Asr: afternoon
  • Maghrib: sunset
  • Isha: night
• Significance: These prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. Through prayer, Muslims seek guidance, express gratitude, and ask for forgiveness.

3. Zakat (Charity)

• Meaning: Zakat is the act of giving a portion (typically 2.5%) of one’s savings to the needy, usually annually.
• Significance: It helps purify wealth, promotes social equality, and ensures that everyone in society has their basic needs met. Zakat is not only a form of charity but also an obligation for those who are financially able.

4. Sawm (Fasting)

• Meaning: Sawm refers to fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
• Practice: Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset.
• Significance: Fasting is a way to develop self-control, empathy for the poor, and spiritual growth. It reminds Muslims of the blessings they have and helps them focus on prayer and devotion.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

• Meaning: Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially capable.
• Significance: Hajj is a powerful spiritual experience where millions of Muslims from around the world gather to perform specific rituals. It symbolizes unity, humility, and submission to Allah.

The Five Pillars of Islam in English

1. Shahada: Belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Salah: Performing the five daily prayers.
3. Zakat: Giving to the less fortunate and purifying wealth.
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan to attain closeness to Allah.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, signifying equality and submission to Allah.

Islamic Prayer Times

Islamic prayer, known as Salah, is performed five times a day at specific times. Each prayer is timed according to the position of the sun, and these timings can vary depending on the geographical location and the time of year. Here’s a breakdown of the five daily Islamic prayer times:

1. Fajr (Dawn Prayer)

• Timing: This prayer is performed just before dawn, when the first light of day appears but before the sun rises.
• Significance: Fajr marks the start of the day and is an important prayer for seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings at the beginning of the day.

2. Dhuhr (Midday Prayer)

• Timing: Dhuhr is prayed after the sun has passed its zenith (highest point in the sky) and begins to decline, typically around midday.
• Significance: This prayer provides a moment of reflection and devotion in the middle of the day.

3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer)

• Timing: Asr is prayed in the late afternoon, before the sun sets.
• Significance: Asr is a reminder to remain steadfast in worship and mindfulness as the day begins to wind down.

4. Maghrib (Sunset Prayer)

• Timing: Maghrib is performed just after the sun has completely set.
• Significance: It signifies the end of the day and is a time to thank Allah for the blessings received throughout the day.

5. Isha (Night Prayer)

• Timing: Isha is prayed after the twilight has disappeared, and it is completely dark outside.
• Significance: This prayer concludes the day, and Muslims seek Allah’s protection and mercy for the night.

Islamic Revolution

The Islamic Revolution refers to the political and social upheaval in Iran in 1979, which led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Key Points:

• Background: The revolution was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the Shah’s authoritarian regime, perceived Western influence, economic inequality, and repression of political opposition.
• Ayatollah Khomeini: A prominent Shia cleric who opposed the Shah’s regime, Khomeini became the leader of the revolution and the face of the movement for an Islamic government.
• Result: The Shah was overthrown, and an Islamic Republic was established, based on Shia Islamic principles. Iran transitioned from a secular monarchy to a theocratic state, where Islamic law (Sharia) became central to governance.

Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar used by Muslims worldwide to determine important religious events and observances. It consists of 12 months based on the cycles of the moon, with each month being either 29 or 30 days long.

Key Points:

• Hijra: The calendar starts from the year of the Hijra (622 CE), when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina.
• Months: Some significant months include Ramadan (month of fasting) and Dhu al-Hijjah (month of Hajj pilgrimage).
• Days: An Islamic year has 354 or 355 days, making it about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The Islamic calendar is used to determine dates for Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as religious practices such as Ramadan fasting and Hajj.

Islamic Law

Key Points of Islamic Law (Sharia)

Islamic law, or Sharia, is a legal framework derived from the Quran, the Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad), and interpretations by Islamic scholars. It governs both personal conduct and public matters in Muslim communities.

Summary:

1. Sources:
   • Quran (primary source)
   • Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad’s actions and sayings)
   • Ijma (consensus of scholars)
   • Qiyas (analogical reasoning)
2. Five Categories of Actions:
   • Fard (Obligatory): Prayers, fasting, charity.
   • Mustahabb (Recommended): Acts that bring reward but are not mandatory.
   • Mubah (Permissible): Neutral acts neither rewarded nor punished.
   • Makruh (Discouraged): Acts that are disliked but not sinful.
   • Haram (Forbidden): Major sins like theft, murder, or drinking alcohol.
3. Criminal Law (Hudud): Prescribes fixed punishments for certain crimes like theft, adultery, and apostasy.
4. Personal Law: Covers areas like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family matters.
5. Ethical Guidance: Sharia also provides moral principles guiding day-to-day behavior, focusing on justice, fairness, and charity.

Sharia law is practiced to varying degrees in different Muslim-majority countries, with some applying it strictly and others more loosely.

When did islam begin ? | when did islam start?

Islam began in the early 7th century CE in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia) with the first revelations received by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Allah (God). The first revelation occurred in the year 610 CE when Muhammad was 40 years old, marking the start of Islam as a religious movement. The formal establishment of the Islamic community occurred in 622 CE with the Hijra (migration) to Medina, which also marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Islamic Holidays

1. Eid al-Fitr:
   • Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
   • Marks the conclusion of fasting and is a day of feasting, charity, and prayer.
   • Typically lasts for one to three days.
2. Eid al-Adha:
   • Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
   • It coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
   • Observed by sacrificing an animal (often a sheep or goat) and distributing the meat to the poor.
3. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year):
   • Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, based on the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
   • Falls on the 1st of Muharram.
4. Mawlid al-Nabi:
   • Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
   • Observed on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.

These holidays are celebrated by Muslims globally, with variations in customs and traditions depending on the region.

Islam Holy Book

The holy book of Islam is the Quran. It is considered the literal word of Allah (God), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over a period of 23 years through the angel Jibril (Gabriel).

Key Points:

• Language: The Quran was revealed in Arabic.
• Chapters and Verses: It consists of 114 chapters (Surahs) and 6,236 verses (Ayahs).
• Content: The Quran covers various aspects of life, including faith, law, guidance for personal conduct, and stories of previous prophets.
• Recitation: Muslims recite the Quran in their prayers and view it as a source of spiritual guidance and law.

The Quran is the most important religious text in Islam and is highly respected and memorized by Muslims worldwide.

Islam religion

Islam is a monotheistic religion that teaches belief in one God (Allah) and the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as His final messenger. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers known as Muslims. Islam covers various aspects of life, including worship, morality, personal conduct, and law. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad.

When was Islam Created?

Islam officially began in the year 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah in Mecca. This marks the beginning of Islam as a religious movement. However, the formal establishment of Islam as a community took place in 622 CE with the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina, which also marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

History of Islam

Islam began in the early 7th century CE in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia) with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) receiving revelations from Allah (God) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). These revelations continued for 23 years and were eventually compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Key Events in Islamic History:

1. 610 CE: Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation in Mecca.
2. 622 CE: Prophet Muhammad migrates to Medina in an event called the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
3. 630 CE: Muslims conquer Mecca, and Islam begins to spread across Arabia.
4. 632 CE: Prophet Muhammad passes away, and Islam continues to spread rapidly through the Middle East, Africa, and beyond under the leadership of the Caliphs.

Founder of Islam:

The founder of Islam is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), born in 570 CE in Mecca. He is considered the last and final prophet in Islam, the “Seal of the Prophets.” While Muslims believe that Islam is not a new religion but a continuation of the monotheistic faiths of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, Prophet Muhammad is regarded as the one who completed and finalized God’s message for humanity through the Quran.

Islam spread quickly after Muhammad’s death, reaching regions across the globe, from Spain to India.

Islam by Country: Global Distribution

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with around 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims. It is practiced across all continents, with significant Muslim populations in many countries. Here’s a brief overview of Islam’s presence by country:

1. Indonesia

• Muslim Population: ~225 million
• Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, with 87% of its population identifying as Muslim.

2. Pakistan

• Muslim Population: ~200 million
• Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, with around 95% of its population practicing Islam.

3. India

• Muslim Population: ~200 million
• India has the third-largest Muslim population, making up about 14% of its total population, though the majority in India is Hindu.

4. Bangladesh

• Muslim Population: ~150 million
• Around 90% of Bangladesh’s population follows Islam, making it a predominantly Muslim country.

5. Turkey

• Muslim Population: ~85 million
• 99% of Turkey’s population is Muslim, and it is a secular country with a rich Islamic cultural heritage.

6. Egypt

• Muslim Population: ~85 million
• Egypt has a 90% Muslim population, with Islam being the state religion.

7. Iran

• Muslim Population: ~80 million
• Iran is a Shia-majority country, with 99% of its population identifying as Muslim.

8. Saudi Arabia

• Muslim Population: ~34 million
• Home to Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is a Sunni-majority country.

9. Nigeria

• Muslim Population: ~100 million
• Nigeria has a large Muslim population, particularly in the northern part of the country, with about 50% of the population being Muslim.

10. Algeria

• Muslim Population: ~42 million
• Islam is the state religion of Algeria, with 99% of its population being Muslim.

11. Morocco

• Muslim Population: ~36 million
• Morocco is predominantly Muslim, with 99% of its population practicing Islam.

12. Malaysia

• Muslim Population: ~20 million
• About 60% of Malaysia’s population practices Islam, making it the dominant religion in the country.

Key Points:

• Sunni Islam is the dominant branch globally, but Shia Islam is prominent in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain.
• Sunnis make up approximately 85-90% of the Muslim population worldwide, while Shias make up about 10-15%.

Islam is also practiced in smaller communities across non-Muslim-majority countries, including in Europe, North America, and Australia.

How to Pray in Islam (Salat)

Salat (prayer) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a fundamental act of worship that Muslims perform five times a day. The prayer serves as a direct connection between the worshiper and Allah (God). Here’s a simple guide on how to perform Salat:

1. Preparation (Wudu – Ablution)

• Before praying, a Muslim must perform wudu (ablution), which involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. This is a purification process.

2. Intention (Niyyah)

• Begin with the intention (niyyah) in your heart that you are about to perform Salat to please Allah. You don’t need to verbally say the intention, but you should be aware of what prayer you’re offering (e.g., Fajr, Zuhr, etc.).

3. Facing the Qibla

• Face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca (Saudi Arabia), which is known as Qibla. You can use a compass or an app to determine the direction.

4. Starting the Prayer (Takbir)

• Raise both hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), beginning the prayer. This is known as Takbir.

5. The Prayer Movements (Rak’ah)

• Standing (Qiyam): Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening) followed by another surah or verses from the Quran.
  • Example: After reciting Al-Fatiha, you may recite Surah Al-Ikhlas or any other part of the Quran.
• Bowing (Ruku): After completing the recitation, you bow down by placing your hands on your knees, keeping your back straight. In this position, you say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great).
• Standing Again (Qiyam): After bowing, return to the standing position and say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is due all praise).
• Prostration (Sujood): Move to the ground, placing your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the floor. While in this position, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High).
• Sitting (Jalsa): After the first prostration, sit on your legs for a brief moment. In this position, you can say “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me).
• Prostration Again: Perform the second prostration the same way and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” again.

6. Tashahhud (Testification) , Darud Sharif & Dua e Masura

• After completing the second prostration, sit down and recite the Tashahhud:
  • “At-Tahiyyatu Lillahi wa as-Salawatu wa at-Tayyibat” (All greetings, blessings, and good deeds are for Allah).
  • “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa-ash-hadu anna Muhammad abduhoo wa rasooluhu” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger).

7. Ending the Prayer (Tasleem)

• After the Tashahhud, conclude your prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you).

Number of Rak’ahs in Each Prayer:

1. Fajr: 2 Rak’ahs
2. Dhuhr: 4 Rak’ahs
3. Asr: 4 Rak’ahs
4. Maghrib: 3 Rak’ahs
5. Isha: 4 Rak’ahs

Additional Notes:

• Sunnah Prayers: In addition to the obligatory prayers (Fard), there are also Sunnah (voluntary) prayers that can be performed before or after the obligatory ones.
• Congregational Prayers: Muslims are encouraged to pray together, especially the Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) in the mosque.

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