Islam is one of the major religions of the world. It is followed by around 25% of the world’s total population. Currently, 1.907 billion people follow Islam. The people following Islam as their religion are known as “Muslims.”
Islam is one of the three Abrahamic religions, along with Christianity and Judaism. While Christianity is the largest religion, with around 2.365 billion followers, Judaism has far fewer followers, with only 14.7 million population. Despite being the second largest religion, Islam exists in almost every part of the world. The majority of the population in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia follow Islam, with around 90% of the total population of these areas. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have around 30% Muslim population, whereas 6% of the Europeans follow Islam. In the Americas, Islam is the declared religion of around 1% of the total population. So, Islam can be rated as a Worldwide Religion.
Islam is also referred to as the youngest religion. It emerged in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the year 610 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ received the first revelation from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, through the Angel Gabriel. Over the next 23 years, the Prophet revealed the complete code of life in the shape of a Divine Book, the Quran. Hence, Islam is also known as the “complete code of life.” Islam is not merely a matter of faith or religious activities; it provides comprehensive guidance on every aspect of life.
Islam is an Arabic word (ٱلْإِسْلَام). According to the dictionary, it means “Submission” or “Surrender.” The religious meanings of the word “Islam” are “Complete Submission to Allah” or “Complete Surrender to the Will of Allah”. In a broader sense, Islam is also translated as “safeness” and “peace.” That’s why Islam is often called the religion of safeness and peace. The word “Muslim” is also derived from the Arabic word “Islam,” which means “the submitter.” Hence, a Muslim is one who completely submits to God, the Almighty Allah.
The Essential Beliefs and Practices of Islam
Being a Muslim, one needs to follow the basic teachings of Islam. It starts with six fundamental beliefs: belief in Allah, Angels, Holy Books, Prophets, Day of Judgment, and Divine Predestination. These are also known as “Articles of Belief.” Without a firm and unconditional belief in all of them, one cannot be a true Muslim.
The “Articles of Belief” and “Five Pillars of Islam” together form the base of one’s faith. These are elaborately narrated in “Hadith-e-Jibrael” (Hadith of Gabriel), which appears in Book 2 of Sahih Al-Bukhari in serial 43:
Translation
One day while the Prophet (ﷺ) was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, “What is faith?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.” Then he further asked, “What is Islam?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied, “To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat), and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.” Then he further asked, “What is Ihsan (perfection)?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied, “To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you.” Then he further asked, “When will the Hour be established?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied, “The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) then recited: “Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour–.” (31. 34) Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet (ﷺ) asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion.” Abu ‘Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith.
· Belief in Allah (God)
Like the other Abrahamic religions, Islam is all about “monotheism,” the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Allah is the alternate word in Arabic for God. Monotheism is completely different from the concepts of Polytheism, Atheism, or Agnosticism. Polytheists are those who believe in the existence of many Gods, whereas the Atheists believe that there is no God. Then there are some who believe that the existence of one or more Gods is not known, the followers of the concept of Agnosticism. Contrary to all these beliefs, which are primarily non-religious concepts, the Abrahamic religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, strictly believe in One God.
Belief in Allah or God, in itself, implies that there is only One God. The concept of monotheism is not just the oneness of God; it also relates to the “Uniqueness of Allah.” The belief in one Allah (God) is not restricted to the Abrahamic religions. The concept dates back to the creation of this universe and the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ when he was sent to earth from the heavens. But unfortunately, the concept of polytheism is also as old as the history of mankind.
After the death of the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, people started making idols of the pious people of the past, just in memory of those great people who were no more with them. Slowly and gradually, the next generations started worshipping these Idols. They started treating these Idols as Gods. So, the concept of monotheism encountered its first-ever rivalry in the shape of idolatry right from the very beginning of mankind.
Since the era of the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, religions have always promoted the concept of belief in one God. With the inception of Islam, this concept emerged strongly, denying all sorts of polytheism and Idolaty. So, the basic belief a Muslim must have is the belief in Allah (God), as is narrated in the 21st verse of the second Surah of the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah:
Translation
O Mankind, submit to your Lord Who created you and those who were before you; in this way only you may expect to save yourselves
Then in the 102nd verse of Surah Al-An’am, it is further emphasized to worship only Allah:
Translation
Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but He – the Creator of all things. Serve Him alone – for it is He Who is the guardian of everything
Hence, the faith of a Muslim would remain incomplete without having a firm belief in only Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
· Belief in Angels
The Angels are a heavenly creation. In Arabic, Angels are referred to as (ملائِكة) Malaika. The Angels were created from the “Nur,” luminous material. There are three primary creations of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ, humans, jinns, and angels, made up from mud, fire, and nur, respectively. Out of the many creations of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ, mankind is ranked the highest, followed by the Angels.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى created Adam and commanded all the Angels to bow before him, as is narrated in the 34th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
Translation
Then We commanded the angels, “Bow yourselves to Adam. “All bowed but Iblis refused to do so; he waxed proud and joined the defiers.
This verse clarifies that the Angels are a reality and that they existed before the creation of the Prophet Adam. While Prophet Adam was subsequently sent to earth, which started the generation of mankind on this planet, the Angels were the heavenly creation of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and reside in the heavens with His Command and Will. There are many other verses in the Quran about the existence and role of Angels.
6th verse of Surah At-Tahreem describes the characteristics of the Angels:
Translation
Believers, guard yourselves and your kindred against a Fire whose fuel is human beings and stones, a Fire held in the charge of fierce and stern angels who never disobey what He has commanded them, and always do what they are bidden.
Hence, the existence of Angels is beyond any doubt. Among many others, there are four most commonly known Angels. Angel Gabriel is the one who was entrusted with the role of transmitting the Divine revelations to the Prophets. Angel Asrafil has been deputed to blow the trumpet, which would be the end of the Universe. The third one is known as Angel Azrael, who is responsible for taking the souls of human beings. He is also called the Angel of Death. The fourth prominent Angel is called Mikael. He is the guardian of all natural events such as rainfall, winds, change and rotation of weather, and so on.
The belief in Angels is one of the critical beliefs a Muslim must have, as explained in the 285th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
Translation of the relevant part of the Verse
They all believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and Messengers.
· Belief in Holy Books
As mentioned in the above-referred verse number 285 of Surah Al-Baqarah, a Muslim is also required to have a belief in Holy Books, in addition to believing in Angels and Prophets. A holy book in Islam is a Divine Book sent by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى for the guidance of mankind through His Messengers and Prophets.
There are four such Holy Books: the Quran, Tawrat (Torah), Zuboor (Psalms), and Injeel (Gospel). Torah was sent to the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ(Moses), whereas Zuboor (Psalms) Dawood عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, (David). Injeel (Gospel) was sent to the Prophet Eesa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ (Jesus). The last and the ultimate Divine Book is known as the Quran, which was revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ.
Apart from these books, there are two important scriptures, which were sent to the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ (Abraham) and Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ (Moses). These are commonly known as the Scrolls of Abraham and Moses. These are mentioned in the 18th and 19th verses of Surah Al-A’ala:
Translation
- This, indeed, was in the ancient Scrolls,
- the Scrolls of Abraham and Moses.
The content of the ancient holy books has been altered with the passage of time, except for the Quran, which has been preserved in its original form, with the Will and Command of Allah, as mentioned in the 9th verse of Surah Al-Hijr:
Translation
As for the Admonition, indeed it is We Who have revealed it and it is indeed We Who are its guardians.
The Quran is the final revelation from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and is the ultimate guidance for mankind for all the times to come. Hence, firmly believing in the Holy Books is a crucial part of the six beliefs, as mentioned in the Quran in the second last verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. Muslims are urged to believe in all these Divine Books and Scriptures as an essential part of their faith.
· Belief in Prophets
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ sent Prophets and Messengers right from the very beginning of mankind in this world. Adam was the first human being, who was created in the heavens and sent down to earth by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. At the same time, he was the first Prophet, as well. Afterward, a series of Prophets and Messengers were sent at different times to guide different nations and communities.
It is believed that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ sent around 124,000 Prophets and Messengers to this world. However, 25 Prophets are mentioned in the Quran by name. Most of these 25 Prophets are also mentioned in Biblical accounts, as well, though with different names, such as Prophet Eesa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, as Jesus, Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, as Moses, Prophet Dawood عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, as David and so on. All these Prophets came with a similar Divine message, “there is only One God (Allah), and He is the Only one Worth worshipping.” So, the concept of monotheism has been the core of the teachings of all Prophets.
Prophethood started with Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and ended with Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, who is also known as “seal of the Prophets” (Khatam an-Nabiyyeen). Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ was sent for the guidance of the entire mankind, contrary to the previous Prophets, who were sent to their specific communities.
However, per the Islamic perspective, the religion of all the Prophets was the same as they all preached to their people to worship only one God, as mentioned in the 25th verse of Surah Al-Anbiya:
Translation
Never did We send any Messenger before you to whom We did not reveal: “There is no god but Me. So serve Me alone.”
Similarly, in the 136th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, it is emphasized that Muslims must believe in all the previous Prophets, without any discrimination.
Translation
O Muslims, say to them, “We believe in Allah and the Guidance which has been sent down to us and which was sent to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac and Jacob and his descendants and which was given by their Lord to Moses and Jesus and all other Prophets. We do not discriminate against any of them and we have completely surrendered to Allah as Muslims.”
The same concept is also mentioned in the 285th verse of the same Surah, where it is said that Muslims must believe in Allah, Angels, Holy Books, and Prophets.
Therefore, belief in the Prophets is mandatory in Islam, being one of the six essential beliefs.
· Belief in the Day of Judgment
The concept of “The Day of Judgment” (یوم القيامة) (Arabic, Youm al-Qiyamah) exists in all the religions, including Islam. It is also referred to as “The Day of Resurrection” (یوم الدین,) (Arabic Youm ad-Deen). It refers to the end of this world when all living beings will die and then again brought to life by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ and subsequently would face accountability. On the Day of Resurrection, every dead will be brought to life, whereas on The Day of Judgment, every resurrected will be put to accountability.
In the first instance, this entire world will be destroyed and every living being will die. This will happen when the Angel Israfil blows the trumpet. After that, all the dead would be resurrected. The time between these two events is practically beyond the grasp of the timescale of this world. The majority of scholars are of the view that per this world’s timescale, it would be around forty years between the destruction of the entire world and the resurrection of the dead.
The event of the end of the world is explained in verses 13 to 16 of Surah Al-Haqqa.
Translation
- So when the Trumpet is blown with a single blast
- and the earth and the mountains are carried aloft and are crushed to bits at one stroke,
- on that Day shall that indubitable event come to pass
- when the sky will be rent asunder, the grip holding it together having loosened on that Day
The “life hereafter” concept is common in Christianity and Islam. While the exact date and time cannot be ascertained, the end of this world has to happen, just like the fact that every living being has to die at a certain point in time, which is not known to anyone except God, Almighty Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
The “Life Hereafter” is explained in the Quran in the 64th verse of Surah Al-Ankabut.
Translation
The present life is nothing but sport and amusement. The true life is in the Abode of the Hereafter; if only they knew.
Similarly, the concept of accountability is explained in the Quran in Surah Az-Zalzala, in verses 6 to 8, as under.
Translation
- On that Day people will go forth in varying states so that they be shown their deeds.
- So, whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it
- and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.
That indicates the extent of accountability, when every good and bad deed will count, irrespective of its magnitude.
Hence, the Day of Judgment is a reality that is destined to occur and everyone will get the reward or punishment by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, based on what they have done in their life in the world. So, a true Muslim must firmly believe in the Day of Judgment, one of the six articles of faith in Islam.
· Belief in Divine Predestination (Qadar)
Predestination (Arabic Qadar, قدر) is the sixth article of faith in Islam. According to the dictionary, the Arabic word Qadar means “Power”. From the Islamic perspective, it is often translated as “divine decree,” “preordainment,” or “predestination.”
The concept of predestination in Islam refers to the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It is believed that whatever has happened in the past and will be happening in the future, in this world, is all as per the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It further implies that nothing can happen without His Will and that He is All-knowing. But that doesn’t mean that any evil act committed by a person is by the Will of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. The same applies to the good deeds of a person. Both the good and the bad deeds are within the reach of everyone. It is their choice to go with either of these two options.
So, the concept of Predestination or Qadar is that one has to put in the best of his efforts to adopt the righteous way of life and avoid evil acts. Though the destiny of everyone is in the knowledge of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, they are free to choose between good and evil. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى has the foreknowledge about everything that will happen, especially the destiny of each human being but that particular person does not know what he has been destined for.
Hence, it is up to him to decide what is right and what is wrong. Here, he has the option to go either way. Therefore, it is a misconception that one does not need to strive for good deeds in this world, as his destiny is already decided. Everyone should always keep in mind the Day of Judgment when all the good and the bad deeds will be accounted for, and they will be rewarded or punished based on their acts in this world.
There are many verses in the Quran about the Qadar or Predestination. 154th verse of Sura Al-e-Imran explains this concept as under:
Translation
Then, after inflicting this grief, He sent down an inner peace upon you – a sleep which overtook some of you. Those who were concerned merely about themselves, entertaining false notions about Allah – the notions of the Age of Ignorance – asked: ‘Have we any say in the matter?’ Tell them: ‘Truly, all power of decision rests solely with Allah.’ Indeed, they conceal in their hearts what they would not reveal to you, saying: ‘If we had any power of decision, we would not have been slain here.’ Say: ‘Even if you had been in your houses, those for whom slaying had been appointed would have gone forth to the places where they were to be slain.’ And all this happened so that Allah might test your secret thoughts and purge your hearts of all impurities. Allah knows well what is in the breasts of men.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Islamic teachings are based on five essential elements, commonly known as the “Five Pillars of Islam.” These are the fundamental and obligatory norms and practices in Islam. Five Pillars of Islam are also mentioned in the Hadith of Gabriel, as quoted above.
Five pillars of Islam include the Profession of Faith (Shahada), Ritual Prayer (Salah), Almsgiving (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm), and Pilgrimage (Hajj).
· Shahada: Profession of Faith
The first and the most important pillar of Islam is the “Profession of Faith,” sometimes also referred to as the “Declaration of Faith.” The basis of Islamic theology is monotheism, the Oneness of God (Allah). Muslims are required to declare their unconditional faith in the Oneness of Allah, which is also known as Shahada (Arabic الشَّهَادَةُ). Shahada means “to bear witness.” So, at the first instance, Muslims have to bear witness that there is Only One God (Allah) while simultaneously bearing witness to the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. It is a complete submission and acceptance of Islam and is often recited by a person while embracing Islam.
The concept of total submission is narrated in the 20th verse of Surah Al-Anfal:
Translation
Believers! Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him after you hear his command.
Monotheism, the Oneness of God, has been the core preaching of all the Prophets and Messengers sent to this world, even before the inception of Islam. Christianity and Judaism are also based on the concept of monotheism. However, over time, people were distracted from this basic aspect of faith. Idolatry was at its peak in the Arab world when the final Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ was sent to this world. That’s why the Profession of Faith (Shahada) is so important. More importantly, the faith cannot be considered complete without bearing witness to the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, in addition to the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ
The Profession of Faith is often recited in Arabic as under:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله
Transliteration – lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāhu muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh
Translation – there is no God but Allah and Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ is the Messenger of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ
A more elaborate version of this profession is:
أشهد أنّ لا اله الا الله و أشهد أنّ محمدًا رسول الله
Transliteration – Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah
Translation – I bear witness that none deserves worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
· Salah: Ritual Prayer
Prayer (Salah) is the second pillar of Islam. Salah (ٱلصَّلَاةُ) is an Arabic word which can be translated as Prayer or Ritual Prayer. This is the basic and the most important form of worship in Islam, which has to be performed while facing towards the Baitullah (House of Allah), commonly known as Ka’aba. Ka’aba is situated in the Holy City of Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Like any other major religion, Islam also has some particular rituals, Prayer being one of them. The importance of this ritual is evident from the fact that it is emphasized in the Quran around 83 times. Muslims perform this obligatory prayer five times a day., known as Fajr, Duhar, Asr, Magrib, and Isha. (Pre-morning, midday, afternoon, evening, and night Prayers). The timings of these prayers are determined in reference to various verses of the Quran, such as the 130th verse of Surah Ta-Ha:
Translation
So bear patiently with what they say. Glorify your Lord, praising Him before sunrise and before sunset, and in the watches of the night, and glorify Him and at the ends of the day that you may attain to happiness.
Each Prayer has a fixed number of Rakah (units), as under:
- Fajr – 2 Sunnah 2 Fard
- Duhur – 4 Sunnah, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnah and 2 Nafl
- Asr – 4 Sunnah and 4 Fard
- Maghrib – 3 Fard, 2 Sunnah and 2 Nafl
- Isha – 4 Sunnah, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnah, 2 Nafl, 3 Witr and 2 Nafl
Additionally, a special prayer is also mandatory on Friday, known as the Jumma Prayer (Friday Prayer). It is performed in the congregation on Fridays at the time of Duhur prayer.
All five obligatory prayers have to be performed preferably in Mosques. The Fard Prayer needs to be performed in a congregation under the leadership of the Imam. However, the prayers can also be performed individually, at any place. But the Friday prayer cannot be performed individually; it has to be in the congregation. Wudu (ablution) is a form of purification, which is a prerequisite for the performance of any prayer. It comprises a set procedure of washing hands, arms, face, and feet. Purity of body and cleanliness of clothing and place also need to be ensured before offering any prayer.
· Zakat: Almsgiving
The third of the five pillars of Islam is known as “Zakat” (Almsgiving). It is a sort of Islamic taxation system that is obligatory to those with a wealth beyond a certain limit. They must give away a fixed proportion of their wealth to the needy Muslims. There is no fixed time to give Zakat but traditionally, Muslims like to pay it in the month of Ramadhan.
Zakat is payable by the person with a wealth of more than 87.5 grams of Gold or 612.36 grams of Silver or any asset equivalent to their market value. The rate of Zakat is 2.5% of the total wealth. Zakat has to be paid once a year. The purpose of this obligation on the rich of society is to ensure the distribution of wealth amongst the people, especially those in dire need of financial assistance. It also aims at avoiding wealth accumulation in a few people’s hands.
Though it is considered an individual act, in many Muslim Countries, Zakat is collected at the Government level and spent for the welfare and financial assistance of that segment of society that needs it the most. This system is also a viable option if practiced with due diligence.
It is an essential pillar of Islam, as it defines the economic structure of an Islamic society. It is mentioned in the Quran around 26 times in different verses. Often it is mentioned alongside Salah, which shows its relevance to the norms and practices, a Muslim society has to adopt.
43rd verse of Surah Al-Baqarah describes the importance of Zakat as under:
Translation
Establish the Salat, pay the Zakat, and bow down before Me along with those who bow down.
Similarly, the 110th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah narrates the significance of Zakat as under.
Translation
(Rest assured that) Allah has full power over everything: establish the Salat and pay the Zakat. you will find with Allah whatever good you send forward for your future; Allah is watching everything you do.
· Sawm: Fasting During Ramadan
The fourth pillar of Islam is a very special type of worship, Sawm (صوم), which means abstaining from eating and drinking. It is also translated as Fasting, especially during the Islamic month of Ramadan. As one of Islam’s pillars, fasting is mentioned in the Quran multiple times.
The 183rd verse of Surah Al-Baqarah declares that Sawm (fasting) is an obligatory act for Muslims, as it was also mandatory for the previous nations. Simultaneously, it is emphasized that it is a way of getting piety.
Translation
Believers, the Fast has been made obligatory on you just as it was prescribed for the followers of the Prophets before you. It is expected that this will produce piety in you.
Then in the 185th verse of the same Surah, the significance and practice of fasting are explained as under.
Translation
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down: this Book is a perfect guide for mankind and consists of clear teachings which show the right way and are a criterion of Truth and falsehood. Therefore from now on whoever witnesses it, it is obligatory on him to fast the whole month, but if one be ill or on a journey, he should make up for the same number by fasting on other days. Allah desires to show leniency to you and does not desire to show any hardship. “therefore this method is being shown to you so that you may complete the number of Fast days and glorify Allah for the Guidance He has shown to you and be grateful to Him.
This verse explains that the Quran was sent down during Ramadan. It is also explained that Muslims are required to observe fasting during this month except for those incapable of doing so due to sickness or traveling, with the condition to make up for the missed fasts later.
Timings of fasting, either in the month of Ramadan or outside it, are from the dawn till the sunset. Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking during this period of the day. They are also expected to refrain from wrongdoings/evildoings while fasting. Fasting is obligatory during the month of Ramadan but one can do it on any other day outside the month of Ramadan, except for the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
· Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca
Hajj (حَجّ) is the fifth and last pillar of Islam. It is a ritual that is different from other Islamic worships in the sense that it has to be performed on specific days of the year and, more importantly, in the Holy City of Mecca. Other worships in Islam can be done anytime, anywhere. Similarly, Hajj is mandatory only once in a lifetime, and that too for, those who are physically and financially capable of doing it. Others are exempted.
Pilgrimage to Mecca was in practice even before the inception of Islam. However, Hajj or Pilgrimage, in its current form was introduced by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, when he practically performed it in the year 632 CE (10 AH, per the Islamic date system). Hajj is performed in the Islamic month of Dhul Hajj, from 8th to 12th. Millions of Muslims worldwide travel to the Holy City of Mecca to perform Hajj every year. It comprises a series of rituals that must be performed in a sequence, observing the correct day and time for each.
Multiple verses about the Hajj mention its importance and other aspects. The short form of Hajj, Umrah, is often mentioned alongside Hajj in the Quran.
158th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah narrates Hajj as under:
Translation
Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the emblems of Allah: it is, therefore, no sin for him, who performs Hajj or `Umrah to the House of AIIah, to run between the two hills; and Allah knows and appreciates him who does any good with a willing heart.
Then, the 197th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah explains what is expected from the one going for Hajj:
Translation
The months for Hajj are well known to all; whoever makes up his mind to perform Hajj during these fixed months, let him totally abstain from all sorts of sexual indulgence, wickedness and wrangling during the Hajj and remember that Allah knows whatever good you do. Take necessary provisions for Hajj, and piety is the best of all provisions: so refrain from disobeying Me, O men of understanding!
The Holy Days in Islam
Festivity is an essential part of every civilization. Religions also distinguish some days of the year as days of festivity, some of them being Holy Days. Islam also has defined various days of the year as Holy Days. Muslims observe these days with religious passion all over the world. While a couple of these days are celebrated worldwide, others are celebrated locally in different parts of the world.
Mainly, two days are observed worldwide in the Islamic communities. These are known as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as a reward from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr falls on the 1st of Shawwal. As the Islamic calendar is based on the movement and appearance of the moon, the exact days of all Islamic events fall on different dates each year, as per the Gregorian Calendar. The Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian Calendar by approximately 10 to 11 days. Similarly, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month Dhul Hajj. It is also associated with the Pilgrimage (Hajj).
Both these days are observed as the days of celebrations and festivity. The days start with a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid. This special prayer is offered in congregations, preferably in open places. Muslims wear new clothes and spend the day meeting with families and friends and having special meals specifically made for the day.
Likewise, there are some other special days in Islam, such as Milad an-Nabi (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. This is celebrated in most parts of the Islamic world on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal. While it is celebrated as a festive occasion, mainly it remains restricted within the religious norms.
Then, there are two other holy days in Islam, known as Lailat al-Miraj and Lailat al-Bara’h. Lailat al-Miraj falls on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. It is the night when the Propohet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ was ascended to heavens. Lailat al-Bara’ah, “the night of forgiveness,” is the night that falls on the 14th of the Islamic month of Sha’ban. It is believed that during this night, the destiny of everyone is decided for the coming year of his/her life. Both these nights are usually spent in worship and supplications by Muslims.
The 10th of the month of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar) is known as the Day of Ashura. This day was specifically differentiated by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ as a day of special fasting. Later on, in the year 61 AH (680 CE), the sad incident of martyrdom of Hazrat Hussayn ibn Ali رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) occurred, which is observed as a day of mourning since then.
The month of Ramadan is yet another significant and Holy Month in Islam. Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset each day of this month, after which they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Lailat al-Qadr (the night of Power) falls in the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan. It is referred to as the holiest night of the year. It is the night when the Quran was sent down by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, through the Angel Gabriel. Hence, this night is so important and sacred for Muslims.
All these days and nights are observed as Holy Days in the Muslim world.
