Almost as soon as the Arab armies of Islam conquered new lands, they began erecting mosques and palaces and commissioning other works of art as expressions of their faith and culture. Many aspects of religious practice in Islam also emerged and were codified. The religious practice of Islam, which literally means “to submit to God”, is based on tenets that are known as the Five Pillars, arkan, to which all members of the Islamic community, Umma, should adhere.
1. The Profession of Faith—The Shahada
The Profession of Faith, the shahada, is the most fundamental expression of Islamic beliefs. It simply states that “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet.” It underscores the monotheistic nature of Islam. It is an extremely popular phrase in Arabic calligraphy and appears in numerous manuscripts and religious buildings.
2. Daily Prayers—Salat
Muslims are expected to pray five times a day. This does not mean that they need to attend a mosque to pray; rather, the salat, or the daily prayer, should be recited five times a day. Muslims can pray anywhere; however, they are meant to pray towards Mecca. The faithful pray by bowing several times while standing and then kneeling and touching the ground or prayer mat with their foreheads, as a symbol of their reverence and submission to Allah. On Friday, many Muslims attend a mosque near midday to pray and to listen to a sermon, khutba.
3. Alms-Giving—Zakat
The giving of alms is the third pillar. Although not defined in the Qu’ran, Muslims believe that they are meant to share their wealth with those less fortunate in their community of believers.
4. Fasting during Ramadan—Saum
During the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to dusk. While there are exceptions made for the sick, elderly, and pregnant, all are expected to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca—Hajj
All Muslims who are able are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the Kaaba and walking around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar.
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UKEFF to reach out on Christmas Day again
UKEFF to reach out on Christmas Day again
The UK Education and Faith Foundation (UKEFF) – a small local small charity which operates from the Unitarian Chapel in Oldham every Monday

The difference made by Muslim charities is often ignored – especially over Christmas
The difference made by Muslim charities is often ignored – especially over Christmas
As the Grenfell tragedy unfolded and catapulted to the fore the failings of society towards those most deprived, it also cast a light on humanity at its best

Preston mosque hands out clothes and food to rough sleepers
Preston mosque hands out clothes and food to rough sleepers
More than one hundred rucksacks filled with warm clothing and food are due to be handed out to the city’s homeless this week.

Muslim entrepreneur helps homeless in small UK town
Muslim entrepreneur helps homeless in small UK town
By Ahmet GurhanKartal
HIGH WYCOMBE, England

Muslim charity to launch ‘What would Jesus Do?’ campaign for Christmas
Muslim charity to launch ‘What would Jesus Do?’ campaign for Christmas
Charity Penny Appeal will be unveiling 5 life-size ice statues symbolising homeless families to promote their winter campaign.

Muslim charities invite people of all backgrounds to offer food, hot drinks and friendship to homeless
Muslim charities invite people of all backgrounds to offer food, hot drinks and friendship to homeless
Two faith-based charities from different countries hosted a food drive for London’s homeless on Saturday in Charing Cross.

Mosques and Muslim groups donate an amazing 4869kg to foodbank
Mosques and Muslim groups donate an amazing 4869kg to foodbank
Volunteers joined forces to help stock up their local Foodbank.

I may not celebrate Christmas — but I can still help others
I may not celebrate Christmas — but I can still help others
GENEROUS SPIRIT: Ali Hamou on a homeless street run. He says that, contrary to many people’s views, Muslims have no problem with Christmas

The World Federation, in partnership with the Regional Federations, have been active in providing relief and humanitarian aid to people in Pakistan.
The World Federation, in partnership with the Regional Federations, have been active in providing relief and humanitarian aid to people in Pakistan
Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs from PTI, joined our Executive Council Meeting in Pakistan in December.

The Nobel Peace Prize 2006 was awarded jointly to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank
The Nobel Peace Prize 2006 was awarded jointly to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank
The Nobel Peace Prize 2006 was awarded jointly to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank “for their efforts to create economic and social development from below.”

School bag distribution in Sierra Leone
School bag distribution in Sierra Leone
Earlier this year in February 2018, we delivered shoes and socks as well as school bags to 107 orphans in Sierra Leone.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FEMALE MUSLIM ASTROPHYSICIST MAKING HEADLINES
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FEMALE MUSLIM ASTROPHYSICIST MAKING HEADLINES
“As a Muslim immigrant female astronomer, I know what it feels like to find oneself outside the dominant culture.” – Dr. BurcinMutlu-Pakdil
