| Thu 26 Dec 2024 - 25 Jumada Al Akhira 1446AH | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prayer | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
| Begins | 06:25 | 08:03 | 12:06 | 13:42 | 16:00 | 17:37 |
| Jamā‘ah | 06:40 | 12:30 | 14:02 | 16:07 | 19:30 | |
| Thu 26 Dec 2024 - 25 Jumada Al Akhira 1446AH | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prayer | Begins | Jamā‘ah |
| Fajr | 06:25 | 06:40 |
| Sunrise | 08:03 | |
| Dhuhr | 12:06 | 12:30 |
| Asr | 13:42 | 14:02 |
| Maghrib | 16:00 | 16:07 |
| Isha | 17:37 | 19:30 |
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.
The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is comprised of a series of rites and rituals – some in order – that provide a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for the pilgrim. For example, a pilgrim can expect to walk between 5km-15km per day, as Hajj requires some travel between several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah. Much of the pilgrimage takes place at the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.
Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, and for many, it is a once in a lifetime event. Going more than once during your lifetime is permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s (SWT) (which means ‘The Most Glorified, The Most High) pleasure.
Sawm is the Arabic term used to describe the act of fasting. Passed the age of puberty, Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations and displeasing speech and behaviour from dawn until dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and includes the night in which the holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind, known as Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree). The month of Ramadan therefore marks an important moment for mankind and requires special devotion from Muslims.
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 pay 2.5% of that wealth as Zakat.
Eligible Muslims pay Zakat once a year, and it is due as soon as one lunar (Islamic) year has passed since meeting or exceeding the Nisab (certain amount of wealth). The Zakat of every Muslim is then distributed to those who meet the criteria to receive it.
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.
This takes place at pre-dawn
This takes place just after the sun reaches its zenith
This takes place between noon and sunset
This takes place just after sunset
This takes place during the night/at night-time
Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah.
The Sunnah Salah (prayers) are ones in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to habitually offer as voluntary worship at specified times and places.
Nafl Salah are voluntary prayers that a Muslim may offer at any time as a form of extra Ibadah (worship).
The Shahada (shahadah) is the Arabic term for the declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and His messenger.
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 worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
It is the most sacred statement in Islam, and must be recited with full understanding and mindfulness of it’s meaning.
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