O level Notes : FRS - Islam - Sacred days in Islam

SACRED DAYS IN ISLAM

The Muslim weekly day of rest is Friday. It begins at sundown Thursday when one can no longer distinguish between a black and white thread on the back of the hand. It lasts until sundown on Friday. Friday is set aside for communal prayer at the local mosque.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting. It is also the month in which the Koran was revealed to Muhammad. It is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Observance is mandated in the Koran that is it is compulsory upon adult males and females. Females would not fast if they are pregnant, breast feeding or during their cycle. Fasting is either 29 or 30 days basing on the sighting of the moon.

The purpose of fasting is to honour the faith and acquire merit through self- discipline. Muslims fast denying themselves food, water and all related sexual activities with their spouses. Fasting is done so that people feel what the poor and the hungry go through. The needy must also fast during Ramadan. Fasting also promotes good behaviour. Bad behaviour like lying; speaking ill of someone, greedy, envy, swearing falsely during this period is offensive and can undo all benefits gained through fasting.

However, people with chronic diseases and unhealthy conditions such as diabetes for example are exempted from fasting. Children and travellers are also exempted from fasting. Those who would have failed to fast during Ramadan because of different causes or situations are required to fast later at another time. After sunset Muslims break fasting usually with water first then some light meal in preparation for special voluntary prayers exclusive to this blessed month. Fasting teaches patience, piety and following the commands of God. It also helps in checking one's health as people get rid of the toxins from their body system.

Eid al-Fitr or feast of the sacrifice

It is one of the two festivals prescribed in the Koran. It begins immediately after the fast of Ramadan ends. Muslims celebrate the completion of fasting by the grace of God. It starts on the first day of the following month, and lasts for about two weeks. Muslims prepare a lot of dishes to share with fellow Muslims as well as non-Muslim friends. Celebrations start by going to the Mosque to pray, partying, family visits and gifts giving. Children wear new clothes and are given other goodies of their choice on this day. It is because of these celebrations that it has been likened in spirit to the Christian season of Christmas

Muslims in Celebration

Muslims at a celebration

Eid al-Adha or feast of the sacrifice

This is the second prescribed festival in the Koran after Eid al- Fitr. It is a three-day festival, the feast of sacrifice. It comes at the end of the season Hajj. This is when pilgrimage to Mecca is to be made at least once in one's lifetime. The “sacrifice” is similar to that made by Abraham when he gave his son at God's command. This act is viewed as complete submission to the will of God. Remember this is the meaning of Islam, submission to Allah. It is also an article of faith to Muslims. Animals are sacrificed and the meat distributed among family, friends and the poor. Prayers are done and presents given during this festival.

Arafat or Unity day

On this day, Muslims gather at the foot of mount Arafat. It is on the borders of Turkey and Iran. This is where the Prophet Muhammad preached his final sermon before he died. It is one of the Hajji rituals. Muslims commemorate Ibraham's devotion to Allah. It is the day when all Muslims on Hajj to Mecca gather at dawn on MtArafat.

Ashura

Muslims on a Hajj

Ashura is the 10th  day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. This is the day Jews were saved from the tyranny of Pharaoh. Jews showed their appreciation by fasting on this day. When Prophet Muhammad saw them doing it he instructed his followers to fast two days either on the 10th and 11th or the 9th and the 10th. This is so because Muslims are closer to Moses.

Here is what we discussed in this topic

Major rites of passage are birth and marriage.Adhan is the first ritual after the birth of a child. After the birth of a child, a child naming ceremony is done on the seventh day. An animal sacrifice is also done to the child celebrating the blessing of a child. Male circumcision is done on all males and on all those who convert to Islam. When Moslems get of age they get married. Death rituals are observed for all the dead Muslims. There is a dress code in Islam for both males and females which  promotes  modesty.  There  are  several  sacred  days  in  Islam  namely

Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha, unity day andAshura.

Definition Of terms used in this topic

Detoxify - it is the removing of impurities from the blood.

Hadith - collected sayings and actions of Muhammad and his companions used to determine the Muslim way of life.

Sunna – Muhammad's way of life, as revealed in the hadith.

Translucent - clear, lucid or transparent.