Beliefs
- Muslims believe in one God, Allah. Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of God.
- Muhammad is the final prophet. Muslims believe the angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealed the Qur'an to him, starting in 610 CE in a cave on Mount Hira.
- The Qur'an is the holy book, in Arabic. Muslims believe it is the exact word of God.
- Muslims also believe in angels, earlier prophets (such as Ibrahim, Musa and Isa) and the Day of Judgement.
The Five Pillars
- Shahadah: the declaration of faith, that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Salah: praying five times a day, facing Makkah.
- Zakah: giving 2.5% of savings to the poor each year.
- Sawm: fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: pilgrimage to Makkah, which Muslims should make at least once if they are able.
Worship and festivals
- Muslims worship at a mosque (masjid). Before prayer, they wash in a special way (wudu). Friday midday prayer (Jumu'ah) is especially important.
- Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha remembers Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, and happens during Hajj.
- The two main groups are Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
Key terms
- Allah
- The Arabic word for God.
- Tawhid
- The oneness of God.
- Qur'an
- The holy book of Islam.
- Five Pillars
- Five key duties of Muslims.
- Salah
- Prayer five times a day.
- Sawm
- Fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj
- Pilgrimage to Makkah.
- Wudu
- Washing before prayer.