Good Evening Everybody!! Or should I say the Islamic greeting "Al Salam Alekom"  :won:

First of all I am glad to be a member of PJ Forums ... Let me introduce myself ... This is Moataz Mustafa, a 28 year old males from Egypt .... Working in Dubai for 4 years.

I love India so much but in particular ... I love Punjab and the Punjabi Culture ... Punjabi Samosa is one of my favorite snacks!  :superhappy:

I am Muslim and happy to see such a lovely section in PJ Forums for various religions ... and would like to start this topic for the religion "Islam".  :rabb:

islam is religion and what ??? like sikishim, hindusim , christinity ,, budisim,, and many more

Who is Allah?

Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc.
Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone that deserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strict monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other human beings or nature is considered idolatry.

1- Testimony of Faith (Kalima):


It can be also called Declaration of Faith (Shahaadah)

Fundamental to a Muslim's spiritual life is the declaration of faith (shahaadah). Here you can explore the deeper meaning of the declaration:

"There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah."


Converting to Islam

Embracing Islam is as simple as making the formal "declaration of faith" (shahaadah), because believing this fundamental testimony is what makes one a Muslim.

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2- Prayer (Salat):

Muslims pray at least five times a day. It is being preformed in the Masjid which is the Prayer Buildings of Muslims

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3- Almsgiving (Zakat):


Muslims give a small percentage of their annual savings as alms or charity, called zakat.

Giving to charity is one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who have wealth remaining over the year, after paying for their own basic needs, must pay a certain percentage to help others. This almsgiving is called Zakat, from an Arabic word which means both "to purify" and "to grow." Muslim believe that giving to others purifies their own wealth, increases its value, and causes one to recognize that everything we have is a trust from God. Paying Zakat is required of every adult Muslim man or woman who possesses wealth of a certain minimum amount (see below).

Zakat vs. Sadaqah:

In addition to the required alms, Muslims are encouraged to give in charity at all times according to their means. Additional, voluntary charity is called sadaqah, from an Arabic word meaning "truth" and "honesty." Sadaqah may be given at any time and in any amount.

How Much to Pay in Zakat:

Zakat is only required of those who have wealth beyond a certain amount to meet their basic needs (called nisab in Arabic). The amount of money paid in Zakat depends on the amount and type of wealth one possesses, but is usually considered to be a minimum of 2.5% of a person's "extra" wealth. The specific calculations of Zakat are rather detailed and dependent on individual circumstances, so zakat calculators have been developed to assist with the process.

Who May Receive Zakat:
The Qur'an specifies eight categories of people to whom Zakat may be donated (in verse 9:60):

* Poor people -- who have few belongings
* Destitute people -- who have absolutely nothing
* Zakat collectors -- for their work in collecting and distributing the zakat
* Muslim converts -- who may be estranged from their families and in need of help
* Slaves -- to free them from slavery in times/places where slavery has existed
* Debtors -- to help free them from insurmountable debts
* Those working in the path of Allah -- soldiers fighting a just war to defend the Muslim community
* Wayfarers -- who are stranded during their travels

When to Pay Zakat:

While Zakat can be paid anytime during the Islamic lunar year, many people prefer to pay it during the holy month of Ramadan.

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4- Fasting (Sawm):


Every year, Muslims spend one entire month in daytime fasting from foods, drinks and sex.
This is during the holy month of Ramadan (One of the Arabic "Hijri" Calendar Months), This has many advantages such as:

* Feeling the way of Poor people's life.
* Break your desires and purify your soul.
* Makes you more faithful to Allah and Islam.
* Getting the privilege when the fasting ends with a good meal!.

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5- Pligirmage (Hajj):


Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

Hajj is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

Pligirmage word from Pilgrim greeek word

very niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee explanation of islam .