Islam and Society

        Islam is the second largest religion n the world. People who practice the religion of Islam are known as Muslims. The religion of Islam started in Saudi Arabia, which is located in the Middle East. Even though Islam started in the Middle East, it does not have the largest population of Muslims. Different countries from all over the world practice this religion. Islam influence and shapes these cultures.

        In order for a Muslim to be considered a strong Muslim they must follow the teachings of Islam.  The five pillars of Islam are 5 obligations that every Muslim must do in order to be considered a good Muslim. The five pillars of Islam are shahadah, salat, zakat, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and visiting the Haji.

        The first pillar is Shahadah which is to say “There is no god but Allah and prophet Mohamed (pbuh) is the messenger of Allah”. When a non-Muslim wants to convert to Islam, they would first have to say the Shahadah.

        The second pillar is Salat, which means to pray five times a day. Muslims have to pray before sunrise, Noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The different between a Muslim and non-Muslim is a prayer. If a Muslim does not pray then s/he is not really a Muslim. Prayer is Very important. In order for a Muslim to pray, they must do wudu first. This is the very essential, because without wudu then your salat will not count.   Wudu is the cleaning up before salat. Wudu has about 12 steps that Muslims need to follow in order for their salat to count. The 12 steps are the following:

1. Make niyyah-
2. Say: In the name of Allah
3. Wash your hands 3 times
4. Rinse your month 3 times
5. Inhale water in your nose 3 times
6. Wash your face 3 times
7. Wash your arms 3 times
8. Wipe your head and ears inside and out once
9. Wash your feet 3 times
10. Recite a prayer afterwards

Before praying 5 salats, Muslims need to make sure that they have wudu. There are some things that can break wudu like using the restroom or hugging someone from the opposite sex. If a Muslim hugs their wife or husband, this does not break their wudu. Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day once they reach puberty.

        The third pillar is Zakat, which means to pay charity to give to the poor and needy. 

        The fourth pillar is to Fast during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9th month and it is the most important month in the Muslim calendar. During that Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset. During that month, Muslims have to work really hard. Muslims try their best to feed the homeless. They go to the Masjid with their families every night. Muslims try their best to control their anger, and they also try their best not to hurt others feelings. Muslims try to read the entire Quran either in English or in Arabic. Muslims have to wake up before dawn to eat. They must eat before its time for salatul Fajr. Children do not have to fast during the month of Ramadan until they reach puberty.

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