ISLAM The Religious Festivals & The Rules of Society 1 An ntroduction ISLAM Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. 2 ISLAM Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is one true God Allah (the Arabic word for God) Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia through a man called Muhammad. Muhammad is so revered that it is usual for Muslims to say 'peace be upon him' whenever they mention his name. 3 ISLAM THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS Ashura Ramadan Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) 4 THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS ASHURA Ashura, one of the most important Islamic anniversaries, means the tenth in Arabic. It is held on the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Sunni Muslim believe that Ashura is an auspicious day, and it is a day for remembering the important activities of Adan, Nuh, Ibrahim, Yunus and six other prophets who were born before the birth of Islam. 5 THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS RAMADAN Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight. Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. 6 How we do Muslims keep Ramadan ? Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the Qur'an. It is common to have one meal (known as the suhoor), just before sunrise and another (known as the iftar), after sunset. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal. 7 THE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS EID-UL-ADHA (Festival of Sacrifice) Eid-ul-Adha ('festival of Sacrifice'), also known as the Greater Eid, is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to. 8 Eid ul Adha is a public holiday in Muslim countries. Today Muslims all over the world who can afford it, sacrifice a sheep (sometimes a goat) as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. They share out the meat among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share. Eid usually starts with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking Allah for all the blessings they have received. It is also a time when they visit family and friends as well as offering presents. 9 ISLAM THE RULES OF SOCIETY Meeting and Greeting Eating Visiting The Other Rules of Society 10 Meeting and Greeting Greet people with either the Islamic greeting of 'Asalamu alaykum' or just saying Hello Friends and relatives would greet each other with kisses on the cheek. Elders are always respected by kissing their right hand then placing the forehead onto the hand. 11 12 Eating Do not eat with your left hand. You should use your right hand. Do not ask for pork or pork products. You should say 'Elhamdlillah' when finished to eat. Observant Muslims do not drink alcohol or smoke. 13 Visiting When you knock someone's gate if the door is not opened you shouldn't wait there. If the gate is opened you have to wait on the left or right of the gate. Always remove your shoes at the door. You shouldn't disturb patient in visitation. 14 The other rules of society If somebody apologizes to you, you should accept. You shouldn't speak from ear to ear in the society. 15 brahim Kl 16