Activity No. 2

Components of Islam

*Ramadan is (also written Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, Ramdan, Ramadaan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from dawn until sunset. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
*Hajj is is a pilgrimage in Mecca. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world.

Five Pillars of Faith in Islam

*Shahada (affirmation), the duty to recite the creed: "There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"
*Salat (prayer), the duty to worship the One God in prayer five times each day
*Zakat (almsgiving), the duty to give away alms and to help the needy
*Siyam (fasting), the duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan
*Hajj (pilgrimage), the duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

Religious Events of Islam

1. Eid-ul-Fitr- is an Arabic word which means "a day which returns often." Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day of the month of Shawwal.

2. Eid-ul-Adhia- an Arabic word which means "a day which returns often."

3. Muharram- Muharram festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This festival starts at the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar.

4. Eid Milad-un-Nabi- Allah sends down his blessings on the Prophet, and His Angles constantly invoke His blessings on him; do you, O believers, also invoke Allah’s blessings on him and offer him the salutation of peace.’ (33:57)

5. Shab-i-Miraj- means the night of Ascent. It is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet of Islam was spiritually transported to heaven and he reached a high stage of nearness to God Almighty which is beyond ordinary human comprehension.

6. Lailat-ul-Qadr- This blessed night is also called the night of Power. It is the particular night in the month of Ramadhan when the Holy Quran first began to be revealed.

7. Ramadan- is one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar.
8. Hajj- is an obligation once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it.
9. Jum'a-tul-Mubarak (Friday Prayer)- It is compulsory for all Muslims, men and women equally.