Islam & Muslims 101: Words, Places, Time
Words
Hadith / Sunnah
the second most important source of Islamic Jurisprudence.
Both Hadith and Sunnah are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the term "Sunnah", perhaps more than "Hadith", is defined as any saying, action, or determination attributed to the prophet. Also, when "following the Sunnah" is used, it implies to follow in the prophet's footsteps.
Hadith has been a vast Islamic science early on. There are 6 major sources / authors of authentic Hadith, and some expand that to 9 or more. 2 of these stand out as the most authentic: Bukhari and Muslim.
The main function of Sunnah, as Muslim scholars agree upon, is to explain and elaborate on the broad principles and guidelines of the Quran, as well as put out additional, detailed guidelines needed for people's life.
See sample Hadiths in
Hadith Archive
Islamic Literature, Bibliography
Also referred to as "Heritage", is the sum of all scholarly work throughout Islamic history, including contemporary work.
Muslim scholars, scientists, imams, and others have produced, a vast array of heritage and continue to do so.
Major works include Quran interpretation, Hadith sciences, and works of the major schools of thought.
For a sample bibliography in English, check this link.
Arabic Language
Is the language of the Quran.
Native to over 300 million people, Arabic is also learned, spoken and written, at least in part, by nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world. It is one of the 5 major languages in the world.
To learn more about Arabic, consult Wikipedia, or for more in-depth introduction, see this VIDEO
The Prophet's Last Sermon
{Friday the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH (6 March 632) at the mount of mercy in Arafat}
Also known as Khutbat Al-Wada' (the Farewell Sermon), was delivered durinh Hjjat Al-Wada' (the farewell pilgrimage) - as the prophet, PPBUH, died 3 months after that pilgrimage. The Khutbah (sermon) is comprehensive and is considered like a covenant composed of major precepts for Muslims. For a full version of the sermon, here is a link:
https://icliny.org/last-sermon/
Islam & Muslims 101: Places
Al Masjid Al Haram (the sacred mosque) at Mecca
The first structure (its place) to be erected on earth.
With the Ka'ba (Cuboidal structure) in its center, the Sacred mosque is holiest of 3 holy mosques that people visit, according to Hadith. The Whole city of Mecca is usually considered as sacred. It is the Quiblah of Muslim prayer, and the place Muslims make pilgrimage to.
Prophet's Mosque at Medinah
The second holiest place
It is where prophet Muhammad (PPBUH) is buried. Muslims also visit this mosque whenever they make pilgrimage to Mecca.
Al Aqsa Mosque at Al-Quds (Jerusalem)
The third of the holy places to visit, and the first Quiblah before it was changed to Mecca.
Also known as Baitul-Maqdis, it is considered, along with the surrounding region, to be a blessed land. It is also believed to be second place to be erected on earth after the sacred house in Mecca.
Baitul-Maqdis is also the place to which Prophet Muhammad (PPBUH) headed in his miraculous night journey from Mecca to Al-Quds, and then ascended to heaven.
Quba' Mosque
The first mosque to be built by the prophet after Hijrah from Mecca
Pilgrims also visit this mosque when the visit Medinah
The Ibrahimi Mosque at Hebron
Located in the city of al-Khalil (Hebron), the Ibrahimi mosque is where the tombs of prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PPBUH) and his family lies.
In the Muslim tradition, Prophet Ibrahim is considered the father of the prophets.
The Great Mosque of Cordoba
Southern Spain
Was converted to a cathedral in the 13th century
Islam & Muslims 101: Time
Hijri Calendar, important days, months etc.
Hijri Calendar
Take a look at the Hijri calendar for 1444 AH, CLICK HERE
The Islamic Hijri year is a lunar year having 12 months. It is used along with the Gregorian calendar. For further details, see Hijri-Pedia
The Sacred Months
This video by Omar Suleiman talks is an interesting perspective of the sacred months. CLICK HERE
There are 4 sacred months in the hijri year, as stated in the Quran. They are: Muharram (1), Rajab (7), Dhul-Qi'dah (11), and Dhul-Hijjah (12).
In these months, no acts of war, or fighting is supposed to take place.
Friday (Jum'a) Congregation Prayer
For more details about the Friday prayer, see this article by Whyislam. CLICK HERE
Like Mass, Muslims congregate every Friday at mosques to perform the Jum'a prayer. It is obligatory worship on men, but optional for women. It is usually performed at Dhuhr (Noon) time. It includes a sermon and the congregation prayer.
Ramadan
Quran verses prescribing the fasting of Ramadan: 2:183-184
The month of fasting, is the 9th Hijri month. Muslims all over the world fast daily from dawn to sunset, the entire month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is also the month that the Quran was first revealed. Besides fasting, Muslims usually increase their worship, good deeds, philanthropy, and other activities during Ramadan. It is considered the best opportunity in the year to improve faith and other aspects of life.
The greeting exchanged at the start of Ramadan is "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan).
Eid ul-Fitr
Starts on the first of Shawwal.
One of 2 main holidays For Muslims. It celebrates the end of Ramadan. Fitr means "breaking the fast". Muslims give out a nominal charity to the poor prior to the Eid so they can have time to buy Eid and joyful needs especially for children. the Morning of the Eid, Muslims head to the mosque or an open congregation place to perform Eid prayer.
The greeting exchanged is "Eid Mubarak"
Eid al-Adha
Starts on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah
This is the second, and usually the bigger of the 2 major holidays. It starts on the 10th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah and goes on til the 14th.
It celebrates the sacrifice trial that prophet Ibrahim had with his son. It also coincides with the annual pilgrimage that takes place in Mecaa.
Muslims perform the same activities as in Eid al Fitr, except for fasting charity. Many, however, give charity in the form of a sacrifice of a lamb or other meat animal or its monetary equivalent.
The same greeting as in the Fitr Eid is exchanged (Eid Mubarak).
Other Important Days
1. Al- Mawlid (the prophet's birthday), 12 Rabi' al-Awwal: Many Muslims around the world consider it to be the most important occasion, and celebrate it with excessive festivities.
2. Ashoura' (the 10th of Muharram): It was a prophet's tradition to fast that day, in solidarity with the Jewish celebration of prophet Musa (PPBUH), as he and his people were saved from the oppressive rule of Pharoah at the time. It also marks the occasion of Martyrdom of Al-Hussain (Grandson of the prophet).
3. The New Hijri year (Muharram 1): The beginning of the Hijri year. The actual Hijrah (migration of the prophet from Mecca to Medinah is said to have taken place towards the end of Safar. Which Muslims also commemorate.
4. Al Isra' (the night journey): Although the exact date is not clear, many accounts say it is in the month of Rajab.
5. The first 10 days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, are considered to be very sacred days, during which, Muslims usually heighten their faith, fast voluntarily, and perform good deeds.
6. The Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) is the day pilgrims to Mecca perform their most significant part of Hajj (pilgrimage), which is to spend the day on the mount and area of Arafah, praying and supplicating.