IMPORTANT TERMS OF QURAN

Six Articles of Belief There is only one God without limit, called Allah. Muhammad received the Quran as a copy of the eternal Quran which is inscribed in heaven. God created heavenly beings called angels to serve God and they are opposed by evil spirits. God sent his prophets to the earth at their appointed times, and the Prophet Muhammad was the last and greatest messenger of God. There will be a last day of world history called the Day of Judgment. Good and evil will be weighed in the balance. The wicked will be punished and the just will enjoy eternal life in Paradise. Everything in the universe has a predetermined course. Nothing happens without the will or knowledge of God.

The Five Pillars of Islam Shahadah (declaration of faith): "I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one enters Islamic faith. Salaah (prayer): Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying. Zakat (charity): Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion. Saum (fasting): Muslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behaviour and strive to purify their thoughts. Hajj (pilgrimage): If it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime.

Key Festivals Ramadan: Celebrates the gift of the Qur'an. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast between sunrise and sunset. Eid-al-Fitr: The festival for the first day after Ramadan. Dhu Al-Hijja: The month of pilgrimage during which all Muslims, at least once in their life, should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid-al-adha: The Festival of Sacrifice which occurs 70 days after Eid-al-Fitr. It commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. Every family who can afford it must slaughter an animal and distribute the meat among relatives, neighbours and the poor. The first day of Muharram: The Islamic New Year begins on the day Muhammad left Mecca to travel to Medina. The twelfth day of Rabi I: Celebrates the birth of the prophet. Mirajun Nabi: Commemorates the prophet's journey from Mecca to the heavens.

Doctrine of Sin and Salvation Sin caused by forgetfulness, human weakness and a spirit of rebellion. Salvation is works oriented and achieved by submitting to the will of Allah and living a good life.