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Messages - Kudi Nepal Di
3701
« on: June 15, 2010, 11:22:48 PM »
mera dil jo vi feel kar raha hai thik nhi hai...
miss dad ajo jaldi 15 din mai alone dil nhi lagda :cry:
3702
« on: June 15, 2010, 10:05:55 PM »
: sharb bechna koi ulta kam aa simmo???? eh ki gal hoyi shabr bechde c ta hang kardo agle v kise de put bhara te gharwale aa nd 1 2 nai 18 munde oh v young dis is a bullshit juz cz ek muslim marya ta 17 sikh not fair
sis sharab vachna bura nhi... but blank vich vachna bura hai.... naal aa kehra sharab vachde fara gaye aa oh vich aa jehra mar de kuttde han.. uae vich jehra vi sharab vich vachde han oh hamesha india to don type de india bolde han aa gal pehla var nhi bahut var hoya n bach vi jande ne.... naal tsie enu shorte dekhu gaye baitha oh funny kar rahe ne aa ta loka de samne game play ki asi dukhi.... n mar vi ta kaji haii.. baki darna bach jana
3703
« on: June 15, 2010, 01:43:00 PM »
pehla ape ta ulta kam karde ne sharab da kam karde c blank vich aa oh de under kam karde jehra sharab vachde ne
ik gal hor case almost slove cuz koi finger print match nhi hoye so bach jana
3704
« on: June 15, 2010, 12:33:17 PM »
hanji mai vi hune gurughar gayi c uthe pata laga n  amlu for sharin
3705
« on: June 15, 2010, 10:01:36 AM »
:Cry:
va joga ho gaya va terya votea da mar aa
3706
« on: June 15, 2010, 07:21:42 AM »
aj mood thik nhi haiiiiiiiiii :huhh: :huhh: :huhh:
3707
« on: June 15, 2010, 06:55:56 AM »
The Lok Virsa Sabheyacharak forum is really taking a good shape. Lots of good topics. Keep it up.
yeah roop & mand & sandhu doin good job keep it up
3708
« on: June 15, 2010, 05:55:06 AM »
Baba bulleh shah ji deyan kaafis' guru granth shaib vich hai?
nhi pendu ji nahi haiii.....
3709
« on: June 15, 2010, 05:46:48 AM »
Mein hoshiarpur to aa ji Doaba region :D :happy:
ohooooooo ik hor mil gaya doaba deeeeeee...... :superhappy: :superhappy: :superhappy:
3710
« on: June 14, 2010, 10:39:40 PM »
haha yes sis
ki kariye Doabbe de hunde hi ehne cool ne
:balle: :balle: :balle: :balle:  :
hi mera sohna doaba, hi mera nona doaba, mera cute doaba, mera cool doaba, hi doaba hii doaba
3711
« on: June 14, 2010, 10:34:27 PM »
hahaha.
haan rahul aa thik hai
3712
« on: June 14, 2010, 11:08:09 AM »
miss u mah dushman mai kis naal fight karu gayi
3713
« on: June 14, 2010, 09:48:13 AM »
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
3714
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:43:52 AM »
Cultural References
In India his name is used in sentences like "Khud ko Dara Singh samajhte ho kya?" (Do you consider yourself to be Dara Singh?) and he is considered a benchmark for manliness and strength.
Kamal Patel
Born Dara Singh Randhawa
19 November 1928 (age 81)
Other name(s) Dara
Occupation Wrestler, Actor
Years active 1962 – present
3715
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:25:48 AM »
This article is about the wrestler and film actor from Punjab. For the convicted murderer, see Dara Singh (Orissa)
Dara Singh Randhawa (born 19 November 1928) is a Jatt Sikh Punjabi wrestler and film actor basically from Village Dharmchuk, Distt Amritsar, Punjab, India. He is the current president of All India Jat Mahasabha.
He was a well-known wrestler before he started acting in Hindi films in 1962. From an Indian Wrestling Champion to the World Championship, Dara Singh has competed against some of the greatest names in wrestling history including Lou Thesz. He has defeated some of the former world champion wrestlers including the great Stanislaus Zbyszko.He was nominated member of Rajya Sabha by Bhartiya Janata Party during August 2003 - August 2009.
Career
Dara singh is from India's state of Punjab. Due to his physique. e was encouraged to study Pehlwani, an Indian style of wrestling, in the milked sand wrestling pits of India called akhara. Dara Singh was a favourite in wrestling tournaments in India. In addition to this, he wrestled on invitation of kings of various Indian princely states and wrestled frequently in haats and melas (fairs and carnivals). He also successfully competed against some of the greatest names in wrestling history and professional wrestlers in the United States.
Upon his return to India he gained unprecedented popularity by having wrestling bouts across the country in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, including a very popular series of matches with Lou Thesz in the late '60s.He then translated this to celluloid fame by making a large number of Bollywood films which had him in the lead. One of his notable finds was the actress Mumtaz with whom he had performed in 16 Hindi films. He then went on to 1980s and 90s television fame, when he played the role of Hanuman in the television adaptation of the epic Ramayan. The series is amongst the most widely viewed in history. He has acted in over 100 films. His latest Hindi movie is Jab We Met and his latest Punjabi movie is Dil Apna Punjabi.He also acted in National Award winner film MAIN MAA PUNJAB DEE(Director Balwant Dullat). He also worked in some television serial shows, most notable is 'Had Kar Di' which was aired on Zee TV. He has two sons named Vindu Dara Singh and Amrik Singh and also 3 daughters. Vindu stays in Mumbai while Amrik stays in Chandigarh. Singh retired from active wrestling in 1983. In 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Championships and accomplishments
National Wrestling Alliance
Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (1 time) - with Yukon Erich
India
Rustam-E-Punjab
Rustam-E-Hind
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
Trivia
At the World Freestyle Wrestling competition in India in the early 1990s, the European ‘Man Mountain’ Jack faced the Indian world champion Dara Singh in the final. The competition was won in a bizarre manner. After a throw, Man Mountain put off his opponent by pointing, then kicked the Indian in a very sensitive area. He went down on the canvas. After the referee complained, Man Mountain assaulted the referee, resulting in his being sent to his corner. Dara Singh, slightly recovered, then seized a towel and brought down Man Mountain by wrapping it round his neck.
Filmography
Upon his return to India he gained unprecedented popularity by having bouts of wrestling across the country in the 1940s and 50s. He than translated this to celluloid fame by making a large number of B grade action, stunt and fantasy films which had him in the lead. One of his noticeable finds was the actress Mumtaz. He then went on to 1980s and 90s T.V fame when he played the role of Hanuman in the television adaptation of the epic Ramayana. The series is amongst the most widely viewed in history. He has acted in over 100 films. His latest movie is a Hindi movie Jab We Met.
As Director
(1980s) (1970s)
1. Unkhilli Muttiar (1983)
2. Rustom (1982)
3. Bhakti Mein Shakti (1978)
4. Dhyanu Bhagat (1978)
5. Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun (1976)
6. Bhagat Dhanna Jatt (1974)
7. Mera Desh Mera Dharam (1973)
8. Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar (1970)
As Producer
(1990s) (1970s)
1. Karan (1994)
2. Bhakti Mein Shakti (1978)
As Actor
(2000s) (1990s) (1980s) (1970s) (1960s) (1950s)
1. Jab We Met {2007} ...Geet's grandfather
2. "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka" (2006) TV Series .... Amardeep Sehgal (Dadaji)
3. Dil Apna Punjabi (2006) .... Hardam Singh
4. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) .... Chaddha uncle
5. Border Hindustan Ka (2003) .... Jamail Singh
6. Shararat (2002) .... Mr. Gujral
7. Farz (2001) .... Tayaji
8. Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000) .... Sapna's grandfather (guest appearance)
9. Dillagi (1999)
10. Zulmi (1999) .... Baba Thakur
11. Guru Gobind Singh (1998)
12. Main Maa Punjab Dee (1998, National Award winner film Directed by Balwant Dullat) )
13. Qahar (1998) .... Special Guest
14. Lav Kush (1997) .... Hanuman
15. Ram Shastra (1995) .... Police Commissioner
16. Karan (1994)
17. Bechain (1993)
18. Anmol (1993) .... Dara Shamsher, Zafar's father
19. Prem Deewane (1992) .... Loha Singh
20. Dharam Sankat (1991) .... Dara (the dacoit)
21. Ajooba (1991) .... Maharaja Karan Singh
22. Maut Ki Sazaa (1991) .... Pyara Singh
23. Maula Jatt (1990) .... Maula Jatt
24. Pratigya (1990) .... Daku Delavar Singh
25. Sheran De Putt Sher (1990) .... Subedaar
26. Shehzaade (1989) (uncredited) .... Jailor
27. Elaan-E-Jung (1989)
28. Gharana (1989) .... Vijay Singh Pahelwan
29. "Luv Kush" (1989) TV Series .... Hanuman
30. Paanch Fauladi (1988) .... Ustadji (Fauladi #1)
31. Mahaveera (1988) .... Delar Singh
32. "Mahabharat" (1988) TV Series .... Hanuman
33. Karma (1986) .... Dharma (Jolly's elder brother)
34. Bulekha (1986)
35. Krishna-Krishna (1986) .... Bhagwan Shri Balram
36. "Ramayan" (1986) TV Series .... Hanuman
37. Sajna Sath Nibhana (1986) .... Joseph
38. Mard (1985) .... Raja Azaad Singh
39. Aan Aur Shaan (1984)
40. Babul Da Vehra (1983)
41. Unkhili Muttiar (1983)
42. Main Intequam Loonga (1982) .... Ajay Kumar
43. Rustom (1982)
44. Guru Suleman Chela Pahelwan (1981)
45. Khel Muqaddar Ka (1981)
46. Chambal Ki Rani (1979)
47. Bhakti Mein Shakti (1978) .... Dyanu Bhakt
48. Dhyani Bhagat (1978)
49. Nalayak (1978) .... Pahelwan
50. Sone Ka Dil Lohe Ke Haath (1978) .... Nihalchand
51. Jai Bolo Chakradhari (1977)
52. Ram Bharose (1977)
53. Giddha (1976) .... Bhalwaan ji
54. Jai Bajrang Bali (1976)
55. Lambhardarni (1976)
56. Raakhi Aur Rifle (1976)
57. Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun (1976) .... Kartar Singh
58. Dharam Karam (1975) .... Ustaad ji
59. Dharmatma (1975)
60. Warrant (1975) .... Pyaara Singh
61. Bhagat Dhanna Jatt (1974) .... Dhanna Jatt
62. Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974) .... Daku Daulay Khan
63. Har Har Mahadev (1974)
64. Kisan Aur Bhagwan (1974)
65. Zehreela Insaan (1974)
66. Hum Sab Chor Hain (1973)
67. Mera Desh Mera Dharam (1973)
68. Aankhon Aankhon Mein (1972) .... Pahelwan
69. Hari Darshan (1972) .... Bhagwan Shiv
70. Lalkaar (1972)
71. Mele Mitran De (1972)
72. Sultana Daku (1972)
73. Ramu Ustad (1971) .... Ramu
74. Tulsi Vivah (1971) .... Bhagwan Shri Shiv
75. Urr chala Jatayu (udd gaya popat)(1949) .... lead
76. Choron Ka Chor (1970)
77. Ilzaam (1970)
78. Mera Naam Joker (1970) .... Sher Singh
79. Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (1970) .... Kartar Singh
80. Apna Khoon Apna Dushman (1969)
81. Toofan (1969) .... Badal
82. Balram Shri Krishna (1968) .... Balram
83. Jung Aur Aman (1968)
84. Chand Par Chadayee (1967)
85. Do Dushman (1967)
86. Daku Mangal Singh (1966)
87. Jawan Mard (1966)
88. Thakur Jarnail Singh (1966)
89. Boxer (1965)
90. Hum Sab Ustad Hain (1965)
91. Khakaan (1965)
92. Lutera (1965)
93. Mahabharat (1965) .... Bheem
94. Raaka (1965)
95. Rustom-E-Hind (1965)
96. Sher Dil (1965)
97. Sikandar E Azam (1965) .... Sikander (Alexander)
98. Tarzan and King Kong (1965) .... Tarzan's opponent
99. Tarzan Comes to Delhi (1965) .... Tarzan
100. Teen Sardar (1965)
101. Aandhi Aur Toofan (1964)
102. Aaya Toofan (1964)
103. Badshah (1964)
104. Darasingh: Ironman (1964) .... Dara Singh
105. Hercules (1964) .... Hercules
106. Samson (1964) .... Samson
107. Veer Bhimsen (1964)
108. Faulad (1963)
109. Rustom-E-Baghdad (1963) .... Dara/Rustom-E-Baghdad
110. King Kong (1962)
111. Jagga Daku (1959) .... Jagga Daku
112. Pehli Jhalak (1955)
113. Sangdil (1952)
114. Mutharamkunnu P.O (1985) .. As Dara Singh himself (language Malayalam)
3716
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:20:22 AM »
Shaheed Udham Singh (1899-1940)
Udham Singh, a revolutionary nationalist, was born Sher Singh on 26 December 1899, at Sunam, in the then princely state of Patiala. His father, Tahal Singh, was at that time working as a watchman on a railway crossing in the neighbouring village of Upall. Sher Singh lost his parents before he was seven years and was admitted along with his brother Mukta Singh to the Central Khalsa Orphanage at Amritsar on 24 October 1907. As both brothers were administered the Sikh initiatory rites at the Orphanage, they received new names, Sher Singh becoming Udham Singh and Mukta Singh Sadhu Singh. In 1917, Udham Singh's brother also died, leaving him alone in the world.
Udham Singh left the Orphanage after passing the matriculation examination in 1918. He was present in the Jallianvala Bag on the fateful Baisakhi day, 13 April 1919, when a peaceful assembly of people was fired upon by General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer, killing over one thousand people. The event which Udham Singh used to recall with anger and sorrow, turned him to the path of revolution. Soon after, he left India and went to the United States of America. He felt thrilled to learn about the militant activities of the Babar Akalis in the early 1920's, and returned home. He had secretly brought with him some revolvers and was arrested by the police in Amritsar, and sentenced to four years imprisonment under the Arms Act. On release in 1931, he returned to his native Sunam, but harassed by the local police, he once again returned to Amritsar and opened a shop as a signboard painter, assuming the name of Ram Muhammad Singh Azad. This name, which he was to use later in England, was adopted to emphasize the unity of all the religious communities in India in their struggle for political freedom.
Udham Singh was deeply influenced by the activities of Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary group. In 1935, when he was on a visit to Kashmlr, he was found carrying Bhagat Singh's portrait. He invariably referred to him as his guru. He loved to sing political songs, and was very fond of Ram Prasad Bismal, who was the leading poet of the revolutionaries. After staying for some months in Kashmlr, Udham Singh left India. He wandered about the continent for some time, and reached England by the mid-thirties. He was on the lookout for an opportunity to avenge the Jalliavala Bagh tragedy. The long-waited moment at last came on 13 March 1940. On that day, at 4.30 p.m. in the Caxton Hall, London, where a meeting of the East India Association was being held in conjunction with the Royal Central Asian Society, Udham Singh fired five to six shots from his pistol at Sir Michael O'Dwyer, who was governor of the Punjab when the Amritsar massacre had taken place. O'Dwyer was hit twice and fell to the ground dead and Lord Zetland, the Secretary of State for India, who was presiding over the meeting was injured. Udham Singh was overpowered with a smoking revolver. He in fact made no attempt to escape and continued saying that he had done his duty by his country.
On 1 April 1940, Udham Singh was formally charged with the murder of Sir Michael O'Dwyer. On 4 June 1940, he was committed to trial, at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, before Justice Atkinson, who sentenced him to death. An appeal was filed on his behalf which was dismissed on 15 July 1940. On 31 July 1940, Udham Singh was hanged in Pentonville Prison in London.
Udham Singh was essentially a man of action and save his statement before the judge at his trial, there was no writing from his pen available to historians. Recently, letters written by him to Shiv Singh Jauhal during his days in prison after the shooting of Sir Michael O'Dwyer have been discovered and published. These letters show him as a man of great courage, with a sense of humour. He called himself a guest of His Majesty King George, and he looked upon death as a bride he was going to wed. By remaining cheerful to the last and going joyfully to the gallows, he followed the example of Bhagat Singh who had been his beau ideal. During the trial, Udham Singh had made a request that his ashes be sent back to his country, but this was not allowed. In 1975, however, the Government of India, at the instance of the Punjab Government, finally succeeded in bringing his ashes home. Lakhs of people gathered on the occasion to pay homage to his memory.
3717
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:09:29 AM »
The Mosque The word "Mosque" is derived, via French, from the Arabic word masjid, meaning "place of prostration." It is the place where Muslims gather to bow down in prayer, especially on Fridays, the Day of Assembly. While mosques are not essential for prayer, they are "houses which God has allowed to be built, that His name may be spoken in them" (Sura 24:36). The main officials of a mosque are the Imam who leads prayer, the Mu'adhdhin (muezzin) who calls to prayer, and the Khatib, the preacher. Mosques became associated with education and also with the tombs of prominent Muslims, especially martyrs, caliphs, and Sufis. Mosques associated with Muhammad are particularly venerated. In Medina, in addition to the Mosque of the Prophet, is the Mosque of the Two Quiblas (where Muhammad first faced Mecca instead of Jerusalem in prayer); in Mecca is the most revered Masjid al-Haram; and in Jerusalem is Masjid al-Aqsa, where the scales will be set up on the Day of Judgment. Although the nearby Dome of the Rock is not a mosque (though it is sometimes called the Mosque of 'Umar), it is a revered site for it was from here that Muhammad made his ascension into heaven. History of the Mosque: The first mosque, built by the Prophet and his followers in Medina, was probably very simple, consisting of a shelter made from palm-trunks and fiber roofing. Later mosques were more elaborate. Mosques usually come in two main styles: hypostyle, where the roof is supported on pillars (the Great Mosque at Cordoba), and domical, where the walls are surrounded by a dome (the Blue Mosque in Istanbul). Like the Prophet's mosque from whcih they are all derived, mosques provide space for worship, meeting, teaching, and study, whether they are converted terraced houses or architectural masterpieces. Preacher: The preacher or khatib carries the traditional preaching staff in his hand. At the start of his sermon, he asks God's blessing upon the Prophet and his family, and then upon the current political leader. Women in the Mosque: Traditionally men and women pray separately, and women often pray at home, although some mosques have special areas for them. Facing Mecca: Worshipers always face Mecca when they pray. In the mosque Mecca is indicated by the position of the mihrah, which is usually in the form of an empty alcove. The mosque is arranged so that the maximum number of people can see the mihrah. Correct Dress: Correct dress is of vital importance when praying. A man must cover his body, at the very least, from the navel to the knees, and a woman may show only her face, hands, and feet. Clothing for both men and women should be modest. Teaching of Religious Doctrine: From the 10th century on, special academies were established for the teaching of religious and legal doctrines. The University of al-Azhar in Cairo was founded in 970. It is the oldest functioning university in the world. Its teaching methods, in which a professor expounds a text to students who are literally gathered at his feet, remained unchanged in some colleges until recent times. Learning has always been central to the Islamic culture. Within a century or so after the Prophet, Greek philosophical and medical works were being translated into Arabic and the influence of the Qur'an stimulated sophisticated development in the religious scienes. 
3718
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:07:37 AM »
The Qur'an The Qur'an is the revelation from God of his speech or Word, and is the foundation of Islam. The same message has been revealed through earlier prophets, such as Moses and Jesus, but earlier communities have currupted the message entrusted to them. Thus only the Arabic Qur'an expresses without fault the Word of God. This is why the Qur'an cannot be translated into any other language - it can only be paraphrased or interpreted - and the reason why calligraphy is so important in Islam. To make beautiful the Word of God is an act of worship and thanksgiving. Although the Qur'an describes itself as a "clear book" (Suras 2:2 and 12:2), some of its passages are difficult to understand and need interpretation. The work of commentary, tafsir and ta'wil, has produced an enormous body of literature. Recitation of God's Word: Qur'an means "recitation," and its words have habitually been chanted aloud. When Muhammad received the first verses in 610, he was given the order by the angel Gabriel to "Iqra," "Recite!" These verses are usually held to be verses 1-5 of Chapter (Sura) 96: "Recite! in the name of your Lord who has created..." Divided into 114 Suras, the Qur'an covers many topics. It initially focuses on the unity of God, God's role in history, Muhammad's role as his prophet, the Last Judgment, and the need to help other people. Later Suras deal with communal matters relating to family, marriage, and legal, ethical, and social concerns relating to the growing umma in Medina. Beauty of God's Words: The first pages of most copies of the Qur'an are elaborately decorated. The most expensive copies, made for rulers or nobles, might be decorated throughout. In some periods geometrical designs would have been fashionable, in others curved patterns or, as here, floral compositions. They would take months or even years to complete, but such attention would be appropriate since what the artist was touching and the reader reciting is regarded by Muslims as God's actual utterance. The Qur'an, Sura I, the Opening: "In the name of God, the merciful, the giver of mercy: Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds, The merciful, the giver of mercy, Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, To you alone we pray for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favored, Not of those who earn Your anger or of those who go astray." 
3719
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:06:22 AM »
No God But Allah In Arabic, "Allah" means "the God." Muhammad realized that if God does indeed exist, it is God who exists. There can only be what God is - there cannot be different or rival gods (for example, a god of the Jews, a god of the Christians, or the many gods of the polytheists). From this tremendous insight into the oneness of God, the whole of Islam flows forth: all creation must be derived from God, including human life; all humans belong to a single umma, family or community; all life returns to God from whom it comes. His is a way of life covering all spheres of human existance. All humans, therefore, wil have to render on the Day of Judgment an account to God of how they have used the gift of life. God determines all things, but human beings are responsible for acquiring the possibilities that God creates for them. God is supreme but not remote - "He is closer than the vein in your neck" (Sura 50:16) - and Muslims live in the presence of God at all times, and are especially close in daily prayer. The Nature of God: The Qur'an, the Islamic holy book, emphasizes repeatedly the might and majesty of God and his complete difference from other existent beings. The verse sums up what he is like fully and briefly, and asserts his power and omnipotence. It also lists four of the 99 Beautiful Names of God (Living, Eternal, Supreme, Tremendous). These are descriptive adjectives given throughout the Qur'an, which Muslims frequently repeat with the help of a subha, or rosary. The Minaret: A minaret is a tower on a mosque. A minaret bears the name of God (Allah) at its very top, indicating his supremacy over all things, as Creator, King, and Judge. The muezzin makes the call to prayer on the balcony beneath, and all who look up at him as he starts his chant will see God's name above everything else. Minarets symbolize the oneness of God, and to some Muslims suggest the long straight letter alif with which God's name begins. The centrality of God's oneness in Muslim belief is total, and the greatest sin is that of shirk, associating other things with him. 
3720
« on: June 14, 2010, 07:04:10 AM »
Five Pillars of Islam The Five Pillars support and give structure to Muslim life. The first pillar is the Shahada, the affirmation "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declares that God is the only divinity, and that he has communicated his will through Muhammad. Its words are chanted daily in the Adhan, the call to prayer. The second pillar is Silat, the set prayers that Muslims must perform in the direction of the Ka'ba - the sacred shrine at the center of the mosque at Mecca - five times each day. The third pillar is Sawm, the daily fast that is performed throughout the month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and sexual intimacy during daylight hours. In this way they practice discipline and experience the deprivations of the poor. Ramadan ends with 'Id al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, when congregational prayers are held, and Muslims exchange gifts. Many will observe the fourth pillar at this time, Zakat, almsgiving, which entails contributing wealth, usually one-fortieth of their annual income, for the poor and for charitable causes. The fifth pillar is Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca in the 12th Islamic month, which all healthy Muslims should try to make at least once in their lifetime. Muslims are required to perform Salat, the set prayers, each day near dawn, at midday, in the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening. Each time they must prepare by performing ablutions, consciously stating their intention to pray, and finding a clean spot upon which they can face Mecca. Then they repeat a set ritual of bowing, kneeling, and prostrating, accompanied by calls to God and recitations of parts of the Qur'an in Arabic. Each group of postures and words is called a rak'a. Less formal requests to God are called du'a. Prayer at the Ka'ba: The Ka'ba is believed to have been built at God's command by Abraham and his son by Hagar, Ishmael. It stands on a site that many people believe to have been a sanctuary founded by Adam, the first man. In the pre-Islamic period it was a shrine to 360 Arabian deities, but it was not until 630 that Muhammad toppled these deities and rededicated the shrine to the one true God. Every year, two million pilgrims visit Mecca to perform Hajj. At the sight of the Ka'ba, they are often spiritually overwhelmed. As they enter the haram, the sacred area around Mecca, they explaim the words "Labhayka! Labhayka!, "I am at your service!" From then on they focus only on God. Hajj can only be performed in the 12th month. When pilgrims visit at other times of the year they perform the 'umra, the lesser pilgrimage, which imposes fewer requirements on them. 
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