Important Information About Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month

Prayer beads are used in many religions and cultures around the world, either to help with prayer and meditation or to simply keep the fingers occupied during times of stress. Islamic prayer beads are called subha, from a word which means to glorify God (Allah).

In 634 CE., the newly-created Muslim empire expanded into the region of Iraq, which at the time was part of the Persian Empire. Muslim armies, under the command of Khalid ibn Waleed, moved into the region and defeated the Persians. They offered the mostly-Christian residents two choices: embrace Islam, or pay a jizyah tax to be protected by the new government and excluded from military service.

In Islamic law, victims of crime are recognized as having rights.  The victim has a say in how the criminal is to be punished.  In general, Islamic law calls for murderers to face the death penalty.

Hajj, the religious pilgrimage performed in ritual stages in and around the holy city of Mecca (Makka), is required of Muslims at least once during their lifetimes. It is the largest annual gathering of human beings on earth, with approximately three million people gathering each year for three to five days between the eighth and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all considered monotheistic faiths, but for Islam, the principle of monotheism exists to an extreme degree. For Muslims, even the Christian principle of the Holy Trinity is seen as a detraction from the essential "oneness" of God. 

One of the five “pillars of Islam” is the declaration of faith, known as the shahaadah. Everything in the life of a Muslim rests upon a foundation of faith, and the shahaadah sums up the essence of the entire faith in one sentence. 

Islam teaches that God has sent prophets to humanity, in different times and places, to communicate His message. Since the beginning of time, God has sent His guidance through these chosen people. They were human beings who taught the people around them about faith in One Almighty God, and how to walk on the path of righteousness. Some prophets also revealed God's Word through books of revelation.

In the Quran, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Quran recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Quran also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Quran regarding the life and teachings of Jesus.

Islamic tradition describes Jannah, or heaven, as having eight doors or gates. Each door has a name that describes the types or characteristics of the people who will be admitted through it. Some scholars surmise that these doors are found inside Jannah after one enters the main gate.

The term “evil eye” usually refers to harm that comes to a person because of someone else’s jealousy or envy towards them. Many Muslims believe it to be real, and some incorporate specific practices in order to protect themselves or their loved ones from its effects.

Located between Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and Palestine, the Dead Sea is one of the most unique places on earth. At 1,412 feet below sea level, its shores rank as the lowest land point on earth.

For Muslims, the five daily prayer times (called salat) are among the most important obligations of the Islamic faith. Prayers remind the faithful of God and the many opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness. They also serve as a reminder of the connection that Muslims the world over share through their faith and shared rituals.

Muslims honor and respect the Prophet Abraham (known in the Arabic language as Ibrahim). The Quran describes him as "a man of truth, a prophet" (Quran 19:41). Many aspects of Islamic worship, including pilgrimage and prayer, recognize and honor the importance of the life and teachings of this great prophet.

Muslims believe that Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was the son of Mary, and was conceived without the intervention of a human father.

Personal pleas to Allah, known as 'du'a,' can include requests for mercy

ike many religions, Islam prescribes a set of dietary guidelines for its believers to follow: In general, Islamic dietary law distinguishes between food and drink that are allowed (halal) and those that are prohibited (haram). 

In the Quran, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Quran recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. 

Islam teaches that God (Allah) has sent guidance to human beings, through His prophets and books of revelation.
 

Muslims believe that Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was the son of Mary, and was conceived without the intervention of a human father.

The descriptions of creation in the Qur'an are not intended as dry historical accounts but rather to engage the reader in contemplating the lessons to be learned from it. 

In the Quran, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Quran recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. 

A crucial distinction made in Islamic theology is that between Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam. What do these terms mean and how does it influence and affect Muslim nations and extremists? 

The “five pillars of Islam” are religious duties that provide a framework for a Muslim’s life. These duties are performed regularly and encompass duties to God, to personal spiritual growth, to care for the poor, self-discipline, and sacrifice.

People interested in the teachings of Islam sometimes find that the religion and lifestyle resonate in a way that makes them consider converting to the faith in a formal way. 

The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Allah is not a foreign god, nor is he an idol. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.

When writing the name of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SAWS." These letters stand for the Arabic words "sallallahu alayhi wa salaam" (may God's prayers and peace be with him).

Some Muslims believe there are 99 such names for God, based on one statement of the Prophet Muhammad. However, the published lists of names are not consistent; some names appear on some lists but not on others. There is not a single agreed-upon list that includes only 99 names, and many scholars feel that such a list was never explicitly given by the Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan not only teaches us perseverance but has numerous benefits for our spiritual being. Why is it that Ramadan seems to have such a profound impact on our spirituality, particularly given the physical hardships that it entails? The most distinct feature of Ramadan is that it requires able Muslims to fast the entire month.