Questions about Islam
Have questions? Review this quick reference guide on Ramadan and the Islamic religion
Why is Ramadan important in the Islamic faith?
Ramadan celebrates the first revelations that Mohammad received. The purpose of the Ramadan season is to take Muslims away from their normal lifestyle and make them re-examine their life in the context of a higher ideal. For example, experiencing hunger makes you more aware of the poor; and going though real, but limited suffering, may prepare you for tougher ordeals. The feeling of community is very strong during Ramadan.
What are Muslims expected to do during Ramadan?
All Muslims, except children under the age of 12, pregnant or nursing mothers, the frail, aged and ill, must abstain from eating food, smoking, and drinking (even water), among other restrictions, during daylight hours.
What are the dates of Ramadan based on? Why do they change?
The dates of Ramadan are established according to the Islamic lunar calendar which has 354 days. The months are divided into lunar months which have 29-30 days each. Each day begins at sunset (not midnight). The fasting period normally begins and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon which is different each year.
What basic information about Islam do I need to know?
- The word Islam simply means “submission to the will of Allah.”And Allah is the God of Islam
- Islam is a monotheistic religion that arose in the 7th century under the leadership of Mohammed
- Mohammed is considered to be the ‘ideal man;” but is not considered divine
- Members of Islam are called Muslims meaning ‘those who submit”
- Islam involves both beliefs (“The Five Doctrines of Islam”) and obligations (“The Five Pillars of Islam”)
What are the main sects of Islam?
- Sunnis, the majority of Muslims, are followers of Abu Bakr as Muhammad's successor. Sunnis feel that no man or holy man need come between a person and his God.
- Shiites are followers of the Prophet Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali. An Imam, a holy man, acts as an intermediary between Muslims and God.
- Sufis are a small group of Muslims who seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience with God.
What are the five things a devout Muslim must do in his life (called the pillars of Islam)?
- Recite the creed, “There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.” (Shahada)
- Daily prayers, (Salat) five times a day, at specific times.
- Give to the poor (Zakat)
- Fast, especially during the holy month of Ramadan (Sawim)
- Make the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in a lifetime. (Hajj)
What do Muslims believe in? (The Five Doctrines of Islam)
- One God, the Creator of all things (no trinity)
- Angels and evil spirits
- Prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jonah, Jesus and Mohammed (note: they consider Jesus a prophet)
- Holy books including the Torah, Zabur (Psalms), Injil (Gospel) and the Quran
- The Day of Judgment for all people
What are some Muslim ideas about Jesus?
- Jesus is only a prophet, he is not divine (not the Son of God, not God in the flesh)
- Jesus did not die on the cross. He instead went directly to heaven.
- Jesus was conceived miraculously by God in the womb of virgin Mary