What is the Shahadah?
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Why is the Shahadah important?
It’s the foundation of Islamic belief (Tawhid) and entry declaration into Islam.
When and where was Prophet Muhammad born?
In Mecca, around 570 CE (Year of the Elephant).
What was Prophet Muhammad’s childhood like?
Orphaned young; known for honesty and trustworthiness (Al-Amīn).
What were the beliefs in Arabia at the time of Muhammad’s early life?
Mostly polytheistic; idol worship at the Ka‘bah; tribal society.
What were Muhammad’s early beliefs?
Rejected idols, believed in one God, meditated in the cave of Hira.
What is the Qur’an?
The holy book of Islam
114 suras
Long -> short
What are the main themes of the Qur’an?
Monotheism
99 names of Allah
submission
How is the Qur’an organized?
114 suras
Long -> short
How is the Qur’an treated in Muslim homes?
The Qur’an is revered in
Muslim homes
It is placed on the highest
piece of furniture in the room
and nothing can ever be put on
top of it
What is a mosque (masjid)?
A Muslim place of worship.
What are the main features of a mosque?
- Five times a day, form the top of a tower (minaret) beside or in the mosque, there is a call to prayer
- Worshippers gather and perform ritual washing in an open courtyard before entering
- The prayer hall
- When praying, Muslims must face the direction of Mecca
What happens when a Muslim baby is born?
Adhān whispered in right ear
circumcision
naming seven days after birth
hair is weighed for silver
What is the Islamic marriage called?
Nikah.
What are the main parts of the Islamic marriage?
It involves reading from the Qur’an
and the exchange of vows in front of
witnesses for both partners
The leader of the mosque performs
the ceremony
Many Muslims from the Indian
subcontinent decorate their hands
and feet with henna
What happens when a Muslim dies?
The last words on the lips of a dying Muslim should be the Shahadah
After the person dies, the corpse is washed, covered and buried as soon as possible
The body is buried with the face toward Mecca
Ritual prayers and memorials are observed at burial and at various times after
What is Tawhid?
Tawhid is an Islamic term that describes
the unity of God
To Muslims, Allah the Almighty is one
How do Muslims apply Tawhid in life?
Worship Allah alone.
Muslims apply it by worshipping Him sincerely, obeying His commands, and placing complete trust in His will in every part of their lives.
Anything that distracts from that unity such
as money or possessions is to be avoided
Shahadah
FAITH
This simple but profound statement affirms the monotheistic
nature of Islam and the belief that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
is the last messenger of Allah.
It is the core of a Muslim’s belief and the entry point into Islam.
Ṣalāh
Prayer
Fajr: Before dawn.
Dhuhr: Midday, after the sun passes its zenith (highest point).
Asr: Afternoon.
Maghrib: Just after sunset.
Isha: Night.
Salah is a way to constantly remember Allah, express gratitude,
and seek guidance.
Zakāh
Almsgiving – Giving 2.5% of savings to the poor
The word “Zakat” means purification and growth, symbolizing
the purification of wealth through giving.
Ṣawm
(Fasting) – Fasting during Ramadan.
dawn until sunset
fast is broken with iftar
at the end of ramadan, Eid is the celebration
Ḥajj
(Pilgrimage) – Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
Dhul-Hijjah
Ihram: Entering a state of purity by wearing simple white garments.
Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah to commemorate Hagar’s search for
water.
Standing at Arafat: A day of prayer and reflection.
Ramy al-Jamarat: Throwing pebbles at symbolic pillars representing Satan’s
temptations.
Describe the diet of Muslims.
Halal food only
Alcohol is totally forbidden
For meat to be allowed, it must be
slaughtered in a ritual way
Meat must be slaughtered while the
name of Allah is being said
Muslims are permitted to eat
kosher food if halal food is not
available
