Islam- Obligatory Acts

Question 1

What is Shahadah?

Answer 1

Declaration of faith, which consists of the statement, ‘There is no God except Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah’.

Question 2

When is the Shahadah recited?

Answer 2

In prayer ( in mosque and at home in personal prayer, in dying breaths (if possible), when a baby is born, when someone goes into battle, when someone becomes Muslim.

Question 3

Shahadah source of wisdom

Answer 3

‘There is no god worthy of worship except for God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God.’

Question 4

Conversion or reversion

Answer 4

No ceremonies or rituals, all they need to do is recite the Shahadah.

Question 5

What is the difference between conversion and reversion?

Answer 5

Some call changing religion conversion. Others call it reversion because they believe that God is our creator so we are turning back to our natural faith.

Question 6

What is Zakat?

Answer 6

Purification of wealth by payment of annual almsgiving. An obligatory act of worship.

Question 7

How much are Muslims obligated to give for Zakat?

Answer 7

2.5% of their wealth every year.

Question 8

According to Islam, wealth is given to us by what?

Answer 8

By God.

Question 9

Why should we not view possessions as our own?

Answer 9

They are on loan to us from God, so we do not have to absolute right to spend our money as we choose.

Question 10

What is Sawm?

Answer 10

Fasting from just before dawn until sunset. Abstinence is required from eating, drinking and smoking.

Question 11

What is the month of Ramadan believed to be?

Answer 11

Believed to be the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Qur’an, revealed to him by God.

Question 12

What is the beginning of Ramadan marked by?

Answer 12

The appearance of a new moon (crescent) in the sky.

Question 13

Celebrating the Qur’an during Ramadan

Answer 13

During Ramadan, Muslims gather at the mosque for the extra night prayers. They recite a section of the Qur’an each day, so that, by the end of the month, the whole Qur’an has been recited.

Question 14

Why do Muslims fast (Sawm)?

Answer 14

It is commanded in the Qur’an by God, brings people closer to God, helps Muslims identify with the poor, is a reminder of the mercy and blessings of God, celebrates the fact that God has given humans the Qur’an.

Question 15

Who should fast (Sawm)?

Answer 15

God has instructed all adult Muslims to fast during Ramadan. Children, from quite a young age, may begin to fast for just a few days in the month.

Question 16

Who may be excused from fasting (Sawm)?

Answer 16

People ill or travelling, but they make up for it at the end of the month. Women can be excused if they are on their period, but some say they have to make it up at the end of the month. Fasting is not required of the very old or young, or pregnant women. Many Muslims in poor countries may be too under-nourished to fast.

Question 17

Why do some people think that not all Muslims should fast during Ramadan?

Answer 17

Fasting is out of date as a religious practice and has little relevance to modern society. Some say the length of fasting should be shortened due the length of days growing.

Question 18

What is halal?

Answer 18

Any action or thing which is permitted or lawful, often used in reference to foods that are permitted.

Question 19

What is not permitted for Muslims is called what?

Answer 19

Haram

Question 20

How must the animal be killed to be permitted to be eaten?

Answer 20

An animal that is to be eaten must be healthy and clean when it is slaughtered. It should be fed and watered, and should not see other animals being killed.