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In Islam, Aqiqah is the sacrifice of livestock; such as goats and sheep, at the birth of a child. The Aqiqah is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It often takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it…
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Sadaqah means “righteousness” and is a voluntary charity given to please God. Sadaqah also describes a voluntary charitable act towards others, whether through generosity, love, compassion or faith. These acts are not necessarily physical or monetary. Simple good deeds such as a smile, or a helping hand, are seen as acts of sadaqah. The Prophet…
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Each year, millions of Muslims from all across the world perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam. Hajj takes place in Makkah, in modern day Saudi Arabia, during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, meaning that Hajj must be performed…
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Undertaking Hajj is an Islamic and spiritual duty – it is the fourth pillar in Islam. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) commands Muslims to visit Makkah and complete it as part of their faith at least once in their lifetime – in fact, there’s a whole Surah (chapter) in the Qur’an named after it! In this chapter, Allah…
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Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, which means that it is obliged of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime (so long as they have the means). Hajj takes place during the same…
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The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, SubhanAllah. A month of increased spirituality, we witness two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha) – all in devotion to Allah (SWT). Many people don’t know that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better than all…
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What is Zakat? Zakat (zakaat, zakah), or almsgiving, is one of the five pillars of Islam. This means that Zakat is mandatory for Muslims, along with the other four sacred pillars of Islam. For every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as the Nisab – he or she must…
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What is Salah (salat)? Salah (salat) is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer that is obligatory for Muslims to perform five times a day. It forms one of the five pillars of Islam. The five prayers are: Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah. The Sunnah Salah (prayers) are ones…
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What time is Eid prayer? Eid Salah (prayer) takes place in the early morning (after Fajr) on the first day of Eid. Muslims are encouraged to pray in Jama’ah (congregation) with their local Muslim community on occasions such as these. Please check with your local mosque for the prayer schedule in your local area. How…
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What is the Shahada? The Shahada (shahadah) is the Arabic term for the declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and His messenger. What does the Shahada mean? Transliteration: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah.” Translation: “I bear witness that there is no God but God (Allah – i.e. there is none worthy of…