Worship

Shahada, Salah, and Zakah

For many Muslims, Islam is a way of life and ibadah, or worship, is woven into the very fabric of everyday life. If everyday acts are performed with good intentions then adah or, habits, transforms into ibadah. In Sunni Islam, Muslims follow the Five Pillars, which are duties they believe should be carried out in everyday life. In Shi’a Islam, Muslims follow the Ten Obligations of Faith, which are duties they believe should be carried out in everyday life.

Shahada

Through the Shahada, the belief in Tawhid (the oneness of God) and the Prophethood of Muhammad is expressed.

It is thought this is the First Pillar of Islam as it allows Muslims to carry out the other duties of the remaining pillars, showing belief in the Shahada in action. Belief in the oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad is a fundamental belief in Islam. The Shahada are the first words whispered into a new born baby’s ear so they are the first words a child hears, and for some who are able to, they will be the last words they say. To convert to Islam, an individual has to recite the shahada in front of witnesses. It is recited from the Minaret of the mosque during the Adhan, or call to prayer, five times a day in Sunni Islam.

Watch the video below to hear the shahada spoken, and discover more about its importance:

Salah

Salah is prayer, and some Muslims pray five times a day. Some Shi’a Muslims will pray three times a day, combining the afternoon prayers.

• Fajr, prayer just before sunrise
• Zuhr, prayer just after mid-day
• As’r, prayer between late afternoon and sunset
• Maghrib, prayer just after sunset
• Isha, between sunset and midnight

Prayers are made up of rak’ahs, or sequences, and involve movement or prostration, and reciting praises to Allah. Each rak’ah begins with a niyyahor prayer intention, and a recitation of the first surah (verse) of the Qur’an. Prayers must be said with the correct qibla (direction of prayer), and should be recited facing the Ka’ba in Makkah (Mecca).

Du’a prayers are voluntary prayers that allow Muslims to connect with Allah throughout the day beyond the five compulsory prayers. This allows for Muslims to pray to Allah for forgiveness and remember Allah at every moment in their day. Du’a prayers can be recited in your own language, unlike Salah prayers which are recited in Arabic.

Jummah prayers are communal prayer held at the Mosque on Friday just after midday. Jummah prayers are accompanied with a khutba or sermon, and are a time for remembering the unity of the Muslim community.

To prepare for prayer, Muslims perform Wudu, a washing ritual to make sure they are clean before prayer. This ritual involved washing certain areas of the body, including the face, hands and feet under running water. Mosques have washrooms to offer a space for Wudu to take place, if water is not available, then sand is an acceptable alternative for the spiritual cleansing.

The video below describes the preparation for prayer, and the prayer itself:

Below, if you would like to, you can watch Ingrid Mattson discussing the importance of Salah for her:

Zakah

Zakah is to give to charity. Wealth is believed to be a gift from Allah and people will be judged on how they use their wealth. Wealth should therefore be used to support those in need around the world. As a pillar, Muslims who are able to pay Zakah are required to do so. Donations are usually anonymous to ensure there is no giving for the sake of appearances.

Zakah is required at different times throughout the year, and can be accompanied by voluntary donations to charity called Sadaqah. Typically, Zakah is 2.5% of yearly earnings after household bills and essentials have been paid for.

Reflection 

How might being connected to the divine throughout the day impact a person’s life?

what does the word ‘intention’ mean to you?

What does prayer look like to you?

Worship

Sawm, Hajj, and Jihad

Sawm

Sawm refers to fasting, and compulsory fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, fasting Muslims will not eat or drink anything in daylight hours. The month of Ramadan unites the global Muslim community as all Muslims come together to fast during this month. Fasting is ended by ifta, where after sunset something sweet is shared (usually dates) and then families and communities will have a simple meal.

As well as fasting, Ramadan is a time to improve your connection with Allah and a time to focus on your faith and becoming a better Muslim. The video below follows a Muslim community in Leicester explaining why Ramadan is important for them.

Hajj

Hajj is the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. Many Muslims share the belief this pilgrimage should be completed at least once in an individuals lifetime if they are able to. Many go on Hajj to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, performing the same actions he did.

Use the following articles to read more about the history of Hajj, and what happens during this sacred time.

• https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-resources/hajj-in-islam/hajj-guide/
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2009/11/18/a-step-by-step-guide-to-hajj

In this video, British Muslims talk about their own experience of Hajj, put together by the British Museum:

Reflection

Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?

How might physical journeys play a part in faith and spirituality?

Jihad

Jihad means to struggle or to strive, and there is a Greater Jihad and a Lesser Jihad in Islamic belief, although there have been disagreements on which is which. The term Jihad has often been used in the media in the UK with negative connotations. Jihad is an important part of a many Muslims’ life and refers to the struggle to live a holy life. Jihad is a personal and a social struggle, and does not necessarily refer to war. In the same way that Christians may be familiar with the idea of a holy-war, or just-war theory, conflict in the name of Jihad can only be fought in defence.

The two videos below, one from the UK and one from America, are interviews with different Muslims about what Jihad means to them:

Reflection

What does it mean to you to ‘struggle’?

What was your previous understanding of the term ‘Jihad’?

Worship

Sawm, Hajj, and Jihad

Sawm

Sawm refers to fasting, and compulsory fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, fasting Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. The month of Ramadan unites the global Muslim community as all Muslims come together to fast. Fasting is concluded with iftar, where after sunset something sweet is shared (usually dates) before families and communities have a simple meal.

As well as fasting, Ramadan is a time to improve your connection with Allah and focus on your faith, striving to become a better Muslim.

The video below follows a Muslim community in Leicester explaining why Ramadan is important for them.

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Hajj

Hajj is the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. Many Muslims share the belief that this pilgrimage should be completed at least once in an individual’s lifetime if they are able to. Many go on Hajj to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, performing the same actions he did.

Use the following articles to read more about the history of Hajj, and what happens during this sacred time.

• https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-resources/hajj-in-islam/hajj-guide/
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2009/11/18/a-step-by-step-guide-to-hajj

In this video, British Muslims talk about their own experience of Hajj, put together by the British Museum:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Reflection

Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?

How might physical journeys play a part in faith and spirituality?

Jihad

Jihad means to struggle or to strive, and there is a Greater Jihad and a Lesser Jihad in Islamic belief, although there have been disagreements on which is which. The term Jihad has often been used in the media in the UK with negative connotations. Jihad is an important part of many Muslims’ lives and refers to the struggle to live a holy life. Jihad is a personal and social struggle and does not necessarily refer to war. In the same way that Christians may be familiar with the idea of a holy war, or just-war theory, conflict in the name of Jihad can only be fought in defence.

The two videos below, one from the UK and one from America, are interviews with different Muslims about what Jihad means to them:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Reflection

What does it mean to you to ‘struggle’?

What was your previous understanding of the term ‘Jihad’?

Worship

Shahada, Salah, and Zakah

For many Muslims, Islam shapes their way of life, integrating worship, or ibadah, into daily activities. Actions performed with good intentions can elevate everyday habits into acts of ibadah. Sunni Muslims adhere to the Five Pillars, fundamental duties woven into their daily existence. Shi’a Muslims follow the Ten Obligations of Faith, incorporating these duties into their daily life.

Shahada

The Shahada is an expression of belief in Tawhid, the oneness of God, and Muhammad’s Prophethood.

As the First Pillar of Islam, the Shahada underpins the other pillars, putting faith into practice. This central tenet is the first message imparted to a newborn and, for some, the final utterance at life’s end. Reciting the Shahada before witnesses is requisite for Islamic conversion. In Sunni Islam, it is proclaimed from the mosque’s minaret during the Adhan, the call to prayer, five times daily.

Watch the video below to hear the shahada spoken, and discover more about its importance:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Salah

Salah is prayer, and some Muslims pray five times a day. Some Shi’a Muslims will pray three times a day, combining the afternoon prayers.

• Fajr, prayer just before sunrise
• Zuhr, prayer just after midday
• As’r, prayer between late afternoon and sunset
• Maghrib, prayer just after sunset
• Isha, between sunset and midnight

Prayers consist of rak’ahs, or sequences, involving movement or prostration and reciting praises to Allah. Each rak’ah begins with a niyyah or prayer intention, and reciting the first surah (verse) of the Qur’an. Prayers must be performed facing the correct qibla (direction) and should be directed towards the Ka’ba in Makkah (Mecca).

Du’a prayers are voluntary prayers that enable Muslims to connect with Allah throughout the day, beyond the five obligatory prayers. This practice allows Muslims to seek forgiveness and remember Allah at every moment of their day. Unlike Salah prayers, which must be recited in Arabic, Du’a prayers can be recited in one’s own language.

Jummah prayers are communal prayers conducted at the mosque on Fridays just after midday. Accompanied by a khutbah or sermon, Jummah prayers serve to remind the Muslim community of their unity.

To prepare for prayer, Muslims perform Wudu, a ritual washing to ensure cleanliness before prayer. This ritual involves washing specific body parts, including the face, hands, and feet, under running water. Mosques provide washrooms for this purpose; if water is unavailable, sand is considered an acceptable alternative for spiritual cleansing.

The video below describes the preparation for prayer, and the prayer itself:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Below, if you would like to, you can watch Ingrid Mattson discussing the importance of Salah for her:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Zakah

Zakah involves giving to charity. Wealth is considered a gift from Allah, and individuals will be judged on how they utilise their wealth. Therefore, wealth should be used to support those in need around the world. As a pillar of Islam, Muslims who are financially able are required to pay Zakah. Donations are typically made anonymously to ensure there is no giving for the sake of appearances.

Zakah is required at different times throughout the year and may be accompanied by voluntary donations to charity, known as Sadaqah. Typically, Zakah is 2.5% of yearly earnings after household bills and essentials have been covered.

Reflection 

How might being connected to the divine throughout the day impact a person’s life?

what does the word ‘intention’ mean to you?

What does prayer look like to you?

Watch the video below where a Muslim discusses their beliefs on the afterlife and the idea that knowing this life is temporary as comforting:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Research 

Based on beliefs about life after death, research how Muslims might choose to live their lives to prepare for the last day and judgement. What actions might they take, and how might they live their lives?

Watch the video below of a Rabbi, an Imam and a Pastor talking about their beliefs about life after death:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Reflection

What does the concept of the soul mean to you?

Risalah

Risalah refers to the way in which Muslims believe Allah communicates with humanity. It is believed this happens in three ways:

The Qur’an

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Jibril over a span of many years. It was revealed in the language of Arabic, and Muslims around the world learned to read the Qur’an in Arabic. There are a number of ways Muslims show respect for the Qur’an:

• Perform Ablution, or Wudu, (the act of washing certain areas of the body) before reading the Qur’an.
• Never place the Qur’an on the floor, if a person is reading the Qur’an whilst sitting, a stand is used to raise the Qur’an off of the floor.
• When not being read, the Qur’an is placed in the highest location, above all other books, and wrapped.

The Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad is often referred to as the Seal of the Prophets, this is because Muslims believe Muhammad to be the final Prophet of Islam, with no more prophets or books being sent to humans after him. Throughout his life, Muhammad is believed to have set a good example of how to live, and was given the name al-Amin – ‘trustworthy one.’

Research

Research about the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Discover more about how he became known as the Trustworthy One. Read the story of the ‘Night of Power’, or Laylat-ul-Qadr, to learn more about the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.

Watch the video below that discusses the importance of the Qur’an and how it guides Muslims through their lives:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Reflection

What does the word ‘respect’ mean to you?

In what ways is respect important to you?

How do you show respect to other people, or sacred items you might own?

Islamic Understanding of God

‘Allah’ is thought to come from the contraction in Arabic al-llāh, which translates as ‘The God.’ The word ‘Allah’ in Arabic translates as God and ‘Allah’ cannot be made plural. The oneness of God, therefore, for Muslims is of supreme importance. The oneness of God is expressed through the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of God.

This belief in Tawhid is expressed in the Shahada, the first of the Five Pillars (which will be explored later in this module). The words of the Shahada sum up the central beliefs of Islam, the oneness of God and the belief that Prophet Muhammad was Allah’s messenger. The Shahada forms part of the Adhan, the call to prayer.

The video below is an example of the Adhan:

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

The 99 Names of Allah

Research:

Use the link below, to further explore the 99 names of Allah.

Link: https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-resources/99-names-of-allah/

The video below is an interview between Dr Musharraf Hussain and Dr Jon Hoover from the University of Nottingham, where Dr Hussain talks about his belief in Allah.

*Click on the video to play; then click ‘cc’ for captions.

Reflection 

What does the concept of ‘oneness’ mean to you?

Reflecting on the 99 beautiful names of Allah, do any resonate with you and your own belief about the divine?

Islam

Not all Muslims hold the same beliefs, just like we have explored in Christianity and Judaism. There are different groups within Islam and those groups have different levels of dedication to faith. The two main groups in Islam are Sunni and Shi’a. Sunni Muslims account for between 85-90% of Muslims around the world. Sufism is another form of Islam, and although not necessarily a group in its own right as Sunni and Shi’a Muslims can be Sufis, Sufism is a spiritual form of Islam.

Reflection

What does the word ‘Faith’ mean to you?