Islam

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Islam, one of the world's greatmonotheistic religions, has Saudi Arabia as it's heartland. The followers of Islam, called Muslims, believe in God --- in arabic, Allah --- and that Muhammad is His Prophet. Today the worldwide community of Muslims, which embraces the people of many races and cultures, numbers approximately 1 billion.
 Historically Saudi Arabia has occupied a special place in the Islamic world, for it is toward Makkah and Islam's most sacred shrine, the Ka'abah, located in the Holy Mosque there, that Muslims throughout the world turn devoutly in prayer 5 times a day. An appreciation of Islamic history and culture is therefore essential for a genuine understanding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Islamic heritage and its leading role in the Arab and Muslim worlds.
 Saudia Arabia is the home of two of Islam's holy sanctuaries: Makkah the Blessed and Madinah the Radiant. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, completes the trio of venerated shrines in the Islamic World.

Islam has 5 pillars of faith, that each Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. They are as follows:

1) Shahadah, profession of faith, this is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed: "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.

2) Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer 5 daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required. Although salah can be performed alone, it is meritorious to perform it with another or with a group. It is permissable to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors; however it is recommended that Muslims perform salah in a mosque.

3) Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; the obligatory act of zakat enshrines this duty. Zakat prescribes payment of fixed proportions of a Muslim's possessions for the welfare of the entire community and in particular for its neediest members. It is equal to 2.5% of an individual's total net worth, excluding obligations and family expenses.

4) Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Ordained in the Holy Quran, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Fasting is also an exercise of self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to the sufferings of the poor. Ramadan, the month during which the Holy Qu'ran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which abstention from eating, drinking, and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also a joyful month. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a special meal, iftar, perform additional nocturnal worship, tarawih, after evening prayer; and throng the streets in moods that are festive and communal. The end of Ramadan is observed by 3 days of celebration called Eid Al-Fitr, the feast of the breaking of the fast. Customarily, it is a time for family reunion and the favored holiday for children who receive new clothing and gifts.

5) Hajj, the pilgrimmage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant manisfestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life. The Hajj is a remarkable spiritual gathering of more than 2 million Muslims from all over the world to the holy city. In performing the Hajj, a pilgrim follows the order of ritual that the Prophet Muhammad performed during his last pilgrimage.

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