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5.The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj is an act of worship that is to be performed at least once in a lifetime, provided that one is physically and financially able to do so. During this time, Muslims meet from all corners of the world in an international congregation for the sole purpose of responding to the call of Allah, It also reminds the participants that all Muslims are equal, irrespective of their geographical, cultural, or racial origins.

The sources of Islamic Teachings

The Islamic way of life is based on the teachings and laws found in the Qur-an and the example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

1. The Qur-an

The Noble Qur-an is the final revelation from God, given to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Distinguishing between right and wrong, the Qur-an guides those who are willing to be guided along the path of God.

It was revealed in the pure Arabic language during 23 years of the prophetic mission and was immediately total written down after every revelation. The revelations were also memorized by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions. In this way, every care was taken to preserve the Noble Qur-an from the very beginning.  This was achieved so successfully that the Arabic text of the Qur-an we have today is exactly the same as was revealed to the Prophet more than 1400 years ago. Not even a single letter has yielded to corruption during the passage of centuries and so it will remain forever as promised by God:

"We have without doubt sent down the Message: and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (Qur-an 15: 9)

Apart from clearly defining the basic ideas of Islam, that is the Oneness of God, the Prophethood and the Hereafter, the Qur-an deals with a variety of other subjects such as morality, worship, knowledge, law, politics, economics, etc. In other words, the Qur-an gives guidance for all walks of human life.

2. The Life Example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

In spite of the clarity and the inner coherence, which the Noble Qur-an undoubtedly has, it was never intended to be used independently of the personal guidance of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). This guidance is embodied in the system of his Sunnah, that is, the authentic recordings of his deeds, utterances and his unspoken approval. Because of this reason, the true Muslim follows the life example of the Prophet in his daily life in addition to the Noble Qur-an. The following verse taken from the Noble Qur-an eloquently clarifies this:

"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a good example to follow for him whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day and who engages much in the praise of Allah." (Qur-an, 33:21)

Muslims: The Moderate Nation

Islam does not divide life into "spiritual" and "secular" realms. As all of life is thus unified and interconnected, Islam avoids the dangers of the extreme ritualism, secularism, or materialism that are found in other civilizations. Activities are not class as belonging to the state or the individual, religion or daily life, but as belonging to Allah alone, Who has provided guidelines for individuals. These are to be followed in every aspect of their lives: individual, social, governmental, political, economical, spiritual, and otherwise. Reflecting this moderation, the Qur-an has entitled the Muslims the "moderate nation".

Islam: The Religion of Equality

Islam recognizes no man-made artificial distinctions based on color, tribe, race, nationality, or otherwise.  As all people come from the original couple Adam and Eve they are all one family and therefore equal before God.  What distinguishes people from each other is their commitment to Islam:

"The most honored in the sight of Allah is (he who is) most righteous." (Qur-an, 49:13)

What does Islam say about Terrorism?

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.  In the Qur-an, God said:

"Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you on account of religion and have not driven you out of your homes.  Verily, Allah loves just dealers." (Qur-an, 60: 8)

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) prohibits soldiers killing non-soldiers, and he would advise them (Do not betray, do not be excessive, and do not kill a child).

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) classified murder as a major sin, and he warned that on the Day of Judgment, (The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed).

In the light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women and children, are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness, and the majority of Muslims have nothing to do with the violent events some people have associated with Muslims.

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