BUDDHISM
Buddhism began in northeastern India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The religion is 2,500 years old and is followed by 350 million Buddhists worldwide.
Buddhism is the main religion in many Asian countries. It is a religion about suffering and the need to get rid of it. A key concept of Buddhism is Nirvana, the most enlightened, and blissful state that one can achieve. A state without suffering.
Buddhism is different from many other faiths because it is not centred on the relationship between humanity and God. Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator God.
Siddhartha Gautama found the path to Enlightenment. By doing so he was led from the pain of suffering and rebirth towards the path of Enlightenment and became known as the Buddha or "awakened one".
Siddharta Gautama is known as the Buddha. He was born around the year 580 BCE in the village of Lumbini in Nepal. He was born into a royal family and for many years lived with in the palace walls away from the sufferings of life; sufferings such as sickness, age, and death. He did not know what they were.
One day, after growing-up, marrying and having a child, Siddhartha went outside the royal palace and saw, each for the first time, an old man, a sick man, and a corpse. He was worried by what he saw. He learned that sickness, age, and death were the inevitable fate of human beings — a fate no-one could avoid.
Siddharta had also seen a monk, and he decided this was a sign that he should leave his protected royal life and live as a homeless Holy Man. Siddharta's travels showed him much more of the the suffering of the world. He searched for a way to escape the inevitability of death, old age and pain first by studying with religious men. This didn't provide him with an answer.
The wheel of life which symbolises the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
The eight spokes remind people that the Buddha taught about eight ways of life.
The lotus flower symbolises purity and divine birth.
The lotus flower grows in mud at the bottom of a pool, but rises above the surface to become a beautiful flower. Buddhist say this is how people should rise above everything which is dukkha. A flower may be very beautiful and have a wonderful scent, but it soon withers and dies. This shows that nothing in life is perfect.
Image of Buddha
Statues of Buddha include lots of symbols. There are 32 symbols in Buddhism which show that the Buddha was a special person. Any of these symbols can be used on statues. For example the Buddha is often shown with:
• A bump on the top of his head - a symbol that he had special talents.
• A round mark on his forehead, which is his third eye - a symbol to show that he could see things ordinary people cannot see.
• Curled hair (the curls are actually snails that kindly covered his head-shaved because he renounced the worldly life- to protect him from the sun as he sat meditating.) The are a symbol that he was a very holy man.
• Long ears from the weight of his princely earrings-now missing because he renounced (abandonment) his worldly life. (Sidhartha didn't just give up being rich, but also, renounced being head of an army as a prince, which shows his non-violence.)
Temple
Buddhist temples come in many shapes. Perhaps the best known are the pagodas of China and Japan. Another typical Buddhist building is the Stupa (upside down bowl shape). All Buddhist temples contain an image or a statue of Buddha.
What is Enlightenment and Nirvana / Nibbana?
Buddhist believe that there is a cycle of birth, life and death and rebirth. This goes on and on. They believe that unless someone gains Enlightenment, when they die they will be reborn. If a person can gain Enlightenment, they can break out of this cycle. Breaking out of the cycle is called Nirvana (sometimes called Nibbana). It is the end of everything that is not perfect. It is perfect peace, free of suffering.
Buddhists try to reach Nirvana by following the Buddha's teaching and by meditating. Meditation means training the mind to empty it all of thoughts. when this happens what is important comes clear.
What is the sacred text (Holy Book) of Buddhists?
The sacred book of Buddhism is called the Tripitaka (called Tipitaka in Pali). It is also called the Pali Canon, after the language in which it was first written. It is written in an ancient Indian language called Pali which is very close to the language that the Buddha himself spoke. The Tripitaka is a very large book. The English translation of it takes up nearly forty volumes.
Buddhism is based on Buddha's teachings. At first these were passed down by word of mouth and later were complied into two sets of scripture. One set by Council of Monks of the Theravada school (the Tripitaka) the other by the Mahayana school ( the Sutras). Both were similar. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists generally accept the Tripitaka (called Tipitaka in Pali) as the Buddhist sacred writings.
Tripitaka (Sanskrit Tri= three, pitaka = basket)
There aren't any particular holy books in buddhism. There are scriptures, created over time by scholars. The scriptures were written in 3 groups, together which are called Tripitaka (Three baskets).
The first five hundred years after Buddha's Parinibbana (death), there was no written record of teaching. It was an oral tradition. The oral tradition is still being practiced today. The 4th Sanga Council was held in Sri Lanka around 23 BCE, monks decided to write it down, due to famine, virus spread etc. and couldn't afford to lose the teaching together with the monks.
They wrote it down on palm leaves. But they didn't get paper from China yet. Those leaves, if you want to call them something, you can call sacred leaves. The leaves were bound with thread and those are called Sutta (Sutta Pitaka or Second Basket). When they grouped Suttas/Suttam (plural) and others into three groups, those are called Tripitaka (Three baskets).
Three baskets or three Pitaka of Tripitaka are mentioned below.
Vinaya Pitaka (The Discipline Basket) - A rulebook for monks and nuns.
Sutta Pitaka (The Teaching Basket) - The collection of suttas, attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples, containing all the central teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
Abhidhamma Pitaka (The Philosophy Basket) - The higher/ metaphysical teachings of the Buddha.
Some of Buddha's parables are very similar to those used by Jesus.
What do Buddhist believe?
Buddhist believe that the Buddha saw the truth about what the world is like. They believe that nothing in the world is perfect, and that the Buddha found the answer to why it is like this. They do not believe that the Buddha was a god. He was a human being just like them. They believe that he was important because he gained Enlightenment, and he chose to teach other people how to reach it too.
The Three Jewels
There are three Buddhist central beliefs. These are known as the three jewels as they are felt to be so precious.
1. Belief in Buddha
2. Dharma - The teaching of Buddha
2. The Sangha - the Buddhist community made up of ordinary people as well as the monks and nuns. The purpose is to help others and by doing so to cease to become selfish and to move on the way towards enlightenment.
One important belief involves reincarnation: The concept that one must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death. After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana - a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
What did Buddha teach?
The Buddha's teaching is often divided into three parts. These are the :
1. Three Signs of Beings
2. Four Noble Truths
3. Noble Eightfold Path
1. The Three Signs of Being
The Three Signs of Being are the ways that the Buddha used to describe life.
A. (Dukkha) Nothing in life is perfect. It includes things like being bored and uncomfortable, and everything which is not satisfactory.
B. (Anicca) Everything in life - even solid things such as mountains - is changing, all the time.
C. (Anatta) There is no soul. Instead, the Buddha taught, what does carry on to the next life is a person's life force (Karma). The Karma can be good or bad, depending on how the person lives in this life.
2. The Four Noble Truths
A. First Noble Truth?
Dukkha: Suffering exists:
The first truth is that life is suffering i.e. life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, boredom, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger.
B. Second Noble Truth?
Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering.
The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and the needing to control things. It can take many forms: the desire for fame; the desire to avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy.
C. Third Noble Truth?
Nirodha: There is an end to suffering.
The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf let go of our craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.
D. Fourth Noble Truth?
Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.
The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.
3. The Noble Eight-Fold Path
The Noble Eight-fold Path focuses the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths. It is the way Buddhists should live their lives. The Buddha said that people should avoid extremes. They should not have or do too much, but neither should they have or do too little. The 'Middle Way' is the best.
The path to Enlightenment (nirvana) is through the practice and development of wisdom, morality and meditation.
Three Qualities Eightfold Path
Wisdom (panna) Right View (understanding)
Right Thought
Morality (sila) Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Meditation (samadhi) Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Contemplation (concentration)
The 5 Precepts (morals)
These are rules to live by. The main five are:
Do not take the life of anything living. (Do not kill)
Do not take anything not freely given. (Do not steal)
Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence.
Refrain from untrue speech, (Do not lie)
Do not consume alcohol or other drugs. The main concern here is that intoxicants cloud the mind.
What is Karma?
Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Buddhists believe that are past actions have an effect on who or what we are in our next life.
Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
Theravada Buddhism, the school of Buddhism found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar & in part, Indonesia, Vietnam & Malaysia.
Mahayana Buddhism, the school of Buddhism found in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
Vajrayana Buddhism, the school of Buddhism found in Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Mongolia.
Jodo Shin Buddhism or Pure Land Buddhism mainly from India, Japan
Zen Buddhism
HINDUISM
Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahminism. Hinduism is the oldest religion, it may date to prehistoric times.The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea.
The spiritual goal of a Hindu is to become one with Brahma. This freedom is referred to as moksha. Until moksha is achieved, a Hindu believes that he/she will be repeatedly reincarnated in order that he/she may work towards self-realization of the truth (the truth being that only Brahman exists, nothing else).
For many Hindus there are four goals in human life (purusharthas);
1 Moksha - the release of the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth.
The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahman the universal soul. There are different ways to Moksha.
spiritual - involves acquiring spiritual knowledge through yoga and meditation. devotion to god
working selflessly for the good of society.
How a person is reincarnated is determined by karma.
2 Dharma - the code for leading one's life.
Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty.
3 Artha - the pursuit of material gain by lawful means.
4 Karma - through pure acts, knowledge and devotion, you can reincarnate to a higher level. The opposite achieves the contrary result.
How do Hindus achieve Moksha?
There are four different paths to achieve Moksha which a Hindu can take.The Hindu can choose one or all four of the paths they are:
1 The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga
Spiritual knowledge -leading to the knowledge of the relationship between the soul (atman) and God (Brahman)
2 The path of meditation - Dhyana-yoga
The idea is to concentrate so you can reach the real self within you and become one with Brahman
3 The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga
Choosing a particular god or goddess and worshipping them throughout your life in actions, words and deeds.
4 The path of good works - Karma-yoga
This involves doing all your duties correctly throughout your life.
CHRISTIANITY
Jesus Christ, who was crucified around A.D. 30 in Jerusalem, is the founder of Christianity. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth to teach about love and fellowship. He represents the person that all Christians must strive to be. Jesus was a Jew who was born about 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. Jesus lived for 33 years before being crucified by the Romans.
What do Christians believe?
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and that:
1. God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins
2. Jesus was fully human, and experienced this world in the same way as other human beings of his time
3. Jesus was tortured and gave his life on the Cross (At the Crucifixion)
4. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion (the Resurrection)
Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament Christians believe that there is only one God, but that this one God consists of 3 "persons"
1. God the Father
2. God the Son
3. The Holy Spirit
Worship Place And Holy Book?
The Christian place of worship is called a Church. They are often built in the shape of a cross with the altar facing east towards the rising sun.The Christian spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers.
The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Muslim people.
Important Christian festivals
1. Passover / Pesach Feast (फसह पर्व) -
The meal which Jewish people share together to celebrate the time when God rescued Moses and the people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus also celebrated the Passover feast with his disciples, which was his last supper, also known as Maundy Thursday.
2. Easter Sunday and Good Friday -
Easter is the oldest and the most important Christian Festival, the celebration of the death and coming to life again of Jesus Christ. Easter is the story of Jesus' last days in Jerusalem before his death.The Easter story includes Maundy Thursday (the Last supper leading to the Eucharist), Good Friday (the day on which Jesus was crucified) and Easter Day (Sunday, the day on which Jesus came back to life).
3. Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is also known as Easter Even and the Great Sabbath. The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is the last day of Lent and is the day when Christ's deaad body was taken in his Tomb.
4. Lent
Lent is the 40 days fast before easter. Sundays are not included in these 40 days because sunday is Jesus's resurrection day.
Luke's Gospel says:
'Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.'
So, as in the Bible, Christians spend forty days in preparing themselves to rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.
The number 40 is a special number in the Bible. It signifies preparation for something special:
- The rain lasted for 40 days in the mighty flood - Noah
- Moses stayed on the Mount Sinai forty days (Ex 24:18)
- Jonah gave the people of Ninevah forty days to repent (Jon 3:4)
- Jesus, before starting his ministry, spent forty days in the desert in prayer and fasting (Matt 4:2)
5. Christmas Day
The day Jesus was born
What are the Christian symbols?
The cross is the main symbol. It reminds Christians that Jesus died on the cross to save them.
The dove is the symbol of the holy spirit and peace.
The fish symbol was created using the Greek letters which spell out ICHTHUS : Jesus Christ God's Son Saviour.
The Romans persecuted the Christians and it became dangerous for them to meet. So the Christians devised a secret code. They drew half a fish in the sand. If a person completed the fish, they knew he or she was a believer too. Under the fish sign the Christians wrote the Greek word fish.
What are the 10 Commandments?
From the Holy Bible, King James version. Exodus 20:3-18 (abridged)
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy
5. Honour thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
10. Thou shalt not covet any thing that is thy neighbour's
How is Christianity similar to other religions?
Christianity shares a number of beliefs and practices with other religions, particularly Judaism and Islam. With Judaism and Islam, Christians believe in one God, who created the universe and all that is in it. All believe that this God is active in history, guiding and teaching his people.
Christianity and Judaism share the same roots. The Old Testament and the Torah (Jewish Holy Book) have the same content. Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew.
How is Christianity different from Judaism?
Christianity came to regard Jesus as in some sense God's presence in human form. This was unacceptable to most Jews.
Judaism is defined by a covenant made between God and the Jewish people. Part of this covenant is the Law, a set of religious and ethical rules and principles. Most Christians came to regard both this covenant and Law as in some sense superseded by Jesus' teaching and the community that he established. On the night he died, Jesus talked about establishing a "new covenant" based on his death and resurrection.
Jews believe that there is one God like Christians do, but they do not believe that this one God consists of 3 "persons".
Why And What are there different branches of Christianity?
There are different branches of Christianity because some Christians worship in different ways. There are several denominations of the Christian faith, however all Christians share common beliefs.
Church of England - Anglicanism
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England.
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world. It can trace its history back almost 2000 years.
Baptists
For Baptists, the church is not just a particular place or building, but rather a family of believers, committed to Christ, to one another and to the service of God in the world.
Methodist
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
Orthodox
The Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection.
Seventh-day Adventist
The belief which makes Seventh-day Adventists really stand out, though it is not the most important part of the faith, is the belief that Saturday is the Sabbath (the day of worship)
JUDAISM
Judaism is the oldest of the world's four biggest monotheistic religions (religions with only one god). It's also the smallest, with only about 12 million followers around the world.
Jewish history begins with the covenant established between God and Abraham around 1812 BC (over 3,800 years ago), during the Bronze Age, in the Middle East.
The Torah (Jewish Law), the primary document of Judaism, was given to the Jews by the Prophet Moses (Moshe) about 3,300 years ago.
The Jewish calendar starts with the day when Adam and Eve were created (the Sixth Day of Creation). This year (2010) is 5770 on the Jewish Calendar. It starts with Rosh HaShanah, the two-day Jewish New Year. From September 2010, the Jewish Calendar will be 5771.
There are large Jewish populations in Israel and the U.S.
Place of Origin Israel
Founder Abraham
Sacred Text The TeNaCh (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim)
Sacred Building Synagogue
Holy Place Jerusalem
Major Festivals Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), Sukkot (Tabernacles)
What is the Jewish Holy Book called?
The most holy Jewish book is the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Others include Judaism's oral tradition, the written form of which is known as the Talmud.
The Torah (or teachings) contains the five books revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
The Torah is stored inside the Ark.
No one is allowed to touch the Torah, so a special pointer called a yad is used to follow words when reading it.
Tanach (Tenach)
The collection of Jewish scripture is known as the TaNaCH (TeNaK) which derives from the three parts to the Jewish scriptures the Torah, the Nevi'im and the Ketuvim. The word TaNaCH is actually an acronym for the parts of the Hebrew Bible: "T" is for Torah, "N" is for Nevi'im, and "CH" is for Ketuvim. The Torah is the first part of the TaNaCH.
What is the most important day of the week for Jews?
The most important day of the week is the Sabbath (Shabbat), which is a day made holy by refraining from weekday work.
The Jewish holy day, or Sabbath, starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday. During the Sabbath, observant Jews will not work, drive and cook.
At the beginning of Shabbat Jewish families share a meal. They eat special bread called hallah. On the Sabbath, Jews attend services at the synagogue, often led by a Rabbi.
What special things do Jews wear?
Kippah (a skull cap)
On their heads a devout Jew always wears the Kippah to remind him that he is always duty bound to follow the laws of God at all times and in all places.
Tallit (a prayer shawl)
Before beginning to worship or pray the devout Jew will often put on a tallit. The fringes on the shawl remind him of the many commandments of the Torah.
Tefilin (small leather box with long leather straps attached)
The boxes are worn on the left forearm and on the forehead. Inside the boxes are passages from the scriptures. A tefilin on the left arm is a reminder to keep God's laws with all your heart, because it is near to the heart. A tefilin on the forehead remind the Jew to concentrate on the teachings of the Torah with all your full mind.
Tefilin are worn when praying at home or in the synagogue.
What is a bar mitzvah and a bat mitzvah?
They are both special ceremonies where Jewish boys (aged 13) and girls (aged 12) can become adults in the eyes of the Jewish religion. Bar mitzvah is for boys and means Son of the Commandment. Bat mitzvah is for girls and means Daughter of the Commandment.
Jews marriage
Jews call marriage Kiddushin. This is a Hebrew word which means made holy or special.
What is different about a Jewish wedding compared to a Christian wedding?
- The couple are married under a huppah (sometimes spelled chuppah), a canopy. (picture)
- The couple make a written contract or promises together. This is called the Ketubah.
- A glass is broken to remind them that their joy will neer be complete until the Holy Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt.
Both couples give each other a ring. The ring is a token or symbol of their promises
What is Kosher food?
Kosher foods are those that conform to Jewish law. This means no mixing of dairy and meat, no pork or pork products and no shell fish.
Meat
The animal from which the meat is taken must have been slaughtered in accordance with prescribed Jewish ritual. Jews cannot eat meat from any animal which does not both chew its cud (food brought up into the mouth by an animal from its first stomach to be chewed again) and has a split hoof; animals such as rabbit or hare, pig, horse, dog or cat are therefore prohibited.
Fish
Jews may eat fish that have both fins and scales that are detachable from the skin.
Jewish Festivals?
- Passover
Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is celebrated to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of slavery in Egypt by Moses.
- Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world.
This festival marks the Jewish New Year and begins with ten days of repentance and self examination, during which time God sits in judgement on every person. The festival is also known as the Day of Judgement, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, and the Day of Remembrance.
Over the two days of Rosh Hashanah, there are special services at the synagogue. A musical instrument, called a shofar, is blown. It makes a loud piercing sound like a trumpet and reminds Jews of God's great power.
People east slices of apple dipped in honey. This is a way of wishing each other a sweet and happy New Year
- Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur, the most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish year, brings the Days of Repentance to a close.
As well as fasting for 25 hours, Jews spend the day in prayer, asking for forgiveness and resolving to behave better in the future.
- Sukkot / Sukkoth
Sukkot commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Some lived in tents whilst others built huts out of leaves and branches. These huts were called sukkot.
During the festival, some Jews build their own sukkah in the garden or at the synagogue. Jews eat their meals in the sukkah for the eight or nine days of the festival.
There are rules to making the sukkah. Each sukkah must have at least three walls. The roof of the sukkah must be made of material referred to as sekhakh, which means "covering." Thie 'covering' must be something that grew from the ground and was cut off, such as tree branches, corn stalks, bamboo reeds or sticks. Sekhakh (the roof covering) should be sparse and left loose enough so that the stars can be seen.
There is a special Sukkot service in the synagogue. Everyone holds branches from three trees in their hands and a citron fruit in their right. They walk around the synagogue seven times, waving the branches.
- Hanukkah
Hanukkah or Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It dates back to two centuries before the beginning of Christianity. It is an eight day holiday starting on the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev
Hanukka celebrates the miraculous victory over religious persecution in the Holy Land and also commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the burning oil. This is where the oil of the menorah (the candelabrum in the temple) miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day.
- Tisha B’av
Tisha B'av is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years
- Tu B’Shevat
Tu B'Shevat is the Jewish 'New Year for Trees'. It is one of the four Jewish new years (Rosh Hashanahs).
- Yom Hashoah
Yom Hashoah is a day set aside for Jews to remember the Holocaust.
ISLAM
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him ), who was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is often regarded as the founder of Islam. He was the last prophet to be sent by Allah. However the first prophet was Adam.
There were many prophets before Muhammad (pbuh) including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them.
(peace be upon him - Muhammad is so revered that it is usual to make this statement every time his name is mentioned)
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by Allah through the Arch Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muhammad (pbuh) memorized and wrote down the words.
Muhammad (pbuh) interpreted the words in his daily life. Therefore many of the things which Muhammad (pbuh) did and said were remembered and carefully recorded. The stories and sayings help Muslims to understand the Quran and put what it teaches into practice in their daily lives.
Muslims have 6 main beliefs
1. Belief in Allah as the one and only God.
2. Belief in angels.
3. Belief in the holy books.
4. Belief in the Prophets (special messengers).
e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus).
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgement...
The day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell.
6. Belief in Predestination...
That Allah has already decided what will happen.
Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making free choices
Where do Muslims worship?
The Muslim building for communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration".
Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called a muezzin.
In Britain, calling Muslims to pray this way is not allowed, so some Islamic communities broadcast the call to prayer on a radio frequency which Muslims can pick up in their homes and places of work using a small receiver.
There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Qur'an. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.
When people go into the mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayer.
There is often a fountain or pool, or at least an area with water where people can wash (wudu). Muslim wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms up to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.
There is always a quibla wall in a Mosque which is the one facing Makkah (Mecca), it has an empty arch to signify the direction. It is important that Muslims always know the direction of Mecca. (see pray)
Women do not pray in the same place as men, there is usually a screened off area for them.
What are the five Pillars of Islam?
These are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform. The five pillars of Islam help Muslims put their faith into action.
- Shahadah: declaration of faith
"I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one enters Islamic faith.
- Salah: prayer
Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying.
- Zakat: giving a fixed proportion to charity
Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion.
- Saum: fasting during the month of Ramadan
Muslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behaviour and strive to purify their thoughts.
- Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca
If it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime.
What is so special about how Muslims pray?
Muslims are required to :
- pray five times a day (prayer times are fixed by the sun and change daily),
- wash themselves before prayer and
- face in the direction of Mecca (Mekkah) while praying.
Why do Muslims face Mecca when praying?
Mecca or Makkah is the birthplace of prophet Muhammad, peace is on him. In the center of the mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called a Kaaba (Ka'bah) is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during ritual prayer (Salat).
Muslims believe that the Kaaba is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is used only as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.
The Kaaba is draped with a black cloth, which is covered with Koranic verses that are embroidered in gold and silver thread. During performing the Hajj ceremony a Muslim walks seven times around the Kaaba and then he or she kisses and touch the Black Stone.
Every Muslim family, no matter where they live, knows what direction the Kaaba is from their house.
(The Kaaba is also called Bakka )
When do Muslims pray?
Each period for prayer has a special name and each time is separated by two hours.
These essential times are:
After first light and before sunrise ( Fajr )
Between the sun reaching its height and mid-afternoon ( Dhuhr )
Between mid-afternoon and sunset ( Asr )
After the sun has finished setting ( Maghrib )
In the dark of the night ( Isha )
What are the different types of Muslims?
Between 10% and 13% are Shia Muslims, and 87% to 90% are Sunni Muslims. Sunni Muslims are also present in more countries and regions throughout the world, whereas most Shia Muslims live in four countries: Iran, Pakistan, India, and Iraq.
The separation of the two groups started after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The majority believed that his rightful successor was his father-in-law and close friend Abu Bakr, but a small group believed the Prophet Muhammad's successor should be Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin and son-in-law and father of his grand-children.
The Sunni majority, got their way as Abu Bakr became the first Muslim caliph and successor of the prophet. Although the divide was at first mostly political, as the minority group was a faction supporting the power of Ali, over time, the divide evolved into a religious movement.
One of the most important date for Shia Muslims is the tenth day of the holy month of Muharram (the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar). Shia Muslims celebrate the anniversary of the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and son of Ali.
Both groups, however, agree that Muhammad is God's messenger and follow the five ritualistic pillars of Islam which include fasting during Ramadan, five daily prayers, and the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca which devolved into a stampede* in 2015, killing more than 700 people (220 dead and approx 400 injured). They also both share the holy book of the Quran.
* (A stampede is uncontrolled concerted running as an act of mass impulse among herd animals or a crowd of people in which the group collectively begins running, often in an attempt to escape a perceived threat.)
But, whereas Sunni Muslims rely on the Sunnah, a record of the teachings and sayings of the prophet Muhammad to guide their actions, the Shiites rely on their ayatollahs, whom they see as a sign of God on earth. While there are many ayatollahs, one of the most well-known is Ayatollah Ruhollah Moosavi Khomeini, the political and religious leader of Iran.
Although many Shia and Sunni Muslims cohabit peacefully, a Pew Research Center survey from 2012 shows that 40% of Sunni Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa do not accept Shias as fellow Muslims.
What are the main Muslim Festivals?
The Muslim year is based on Lunar calendar.
1. Ramadan (Ramadhan)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast (do not eat) during the hours of daylight.
The Muslim year is a lunar (moon) year, so Ramadan moves forward by ten or eleven days each year. The day Ramadan begins is decided by the sighting of the new moon.
Muslims believe that the gates of Heaven (Jannah) are open and the gates of Hell (Jahanam) are locked for the duration of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the time when the verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ramadan is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties.
Every Muslim is expected to fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims must not eat or drink during daylight hours. During Ramadan Muslims get up early before dawn (Fajr) and have a light meal. This time is known as Suhoor.
At the end of each day (Maghrib), Muslims traditionally break their fast with a meal called the iftar. Following the custom of Prophet Muhammad, the fast is often broken with dates, then followed by a prayer and dinner.
Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
2 Eid-ul-Fitr (Id-ul-Fitr)- The festival for the first day after Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the breaking of the fast for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. Lasting three days, it is a time for family and friends to get together, for celebrating with good food and presents for children, and giving to charity.
3. Eid-ul-Adha - The Festival of Sacrifice which occurs 70 days after Eid-al-Fitr.
Eid ul-Adha is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God and marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
4. Dhu Al-Hijja:
The month of pilgrimage during which all Muslims, at least once in their life, should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
5. Al Hijra:
The Islamic New Year begins on the day Muhammad left Mecca to travel to Medina.
SIKHISM
The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak 500 years ago (1469-1539) and shaped by his nine successors in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in South Asia.
The last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666- 1708), did not appoint a human successor. Instead, he transferred his authority jointly to two institutions:
- The Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scripture)
- The Guru Khalsa Panth (the community of committed Sikh believers initiated through a special ceremony)
Beliefs
One God
All Are Equal
Men and Women have the same rights/responsibilities
Meditation, Remember God
Sikhs are supposed to work hard and live honestly
Share with Others, Give to the needy
Sikhs do not belive in Fasting, superstitions, ritualism, caste system, alcohol, smoking and drugs
The 5 five articles of faith - Panj Kakkar
Sikhs display their commitment to their beliefs by wearing the Sikh articles of faith. The five articles of faith start with the "k" alphabet in Punjabi, and are thereby referred to as the 5 K's.
They are:
1. Kesh (uncut hair)
2. Kangha (comb)
3. Kara (steel bracelet)
4. Kirpan (sword)
5. Kaccha - Kachhera (soldier’s shorts)
Uncut Hair (Kesh) - SPIRITUALITY
Sikhs do not cut their hair (kesh) but let it grow as a symbol of their faith. Because during their lifetimes it will get very long Sikh men wear turbans to keep it tidy. Sikh women may either wear a turban or a scarf.
Comb (Kanga) - CLEANLINESS
The kanga is similar to a small comb and affirms its bearer’s commitment to society. It is tucked neatly in a Sikh's uncut hair. Just as a comb helps to remove the tangles and cleans the hair, the Kanga is a spiritual reminder to shed impurities of thought.
Steel Bracelet (Kara) - GOOD DEEDS
The kara is worn around one’s wrist like a bracelet and its circular shape reminds a Sikh that the Creator (God) is infinite—without a beginning and without an end
The Last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and always fight for righteousness.
Scimitar (Kirpan) - PROTECTION
The kirpan resembles a sword and symbolises the protection of the weak by Sikhs. It is hung near a Sikh's waist with a shoulder strap.
Soldiers long Undershorts (Kaccha) SELF DISCIPLINE
The kaccha (also spelt Kachhera) is similar to a soldier's undershorts, a loose, white, cotton undergarment. It reminds the Sikh of the need for self-restrain over
passions and desires.
Rites of Passage
When a baby is born a special prayer is read and a drop of Amrit (holy sweet water) is placed on the baby's tongue.
Nam Karan - Naming of a Child
At a ceremony at the Gurdwara, the name of the baby is chosen by taking the Hukam, the granthi randomly opens Sri Guru Granth Sahib to any page and reads the hymn on that page. The first letter of the first word of the hymn is picked. The child's name is than chosen beginning with that letter and is announced to the congregation.
Singh ('Lion'), a reminder to be courageous, is added to boys' names while Kaur ('Princess'), to stress dignity, is added to girls' names.
Dastaar – the Sikh Turban
Sikhs MUST wear the turban
Dastaar Bandi
When a person is aged between 14 and 16, an initiation ceremony called the Dastaar Bandi (wearing of the first turban) takes place. Before the ceremony, kids generally begin by experimenting with their turbans, learning how to hold the weight on their heads, get comfortable with it, and then slowly begin tying it everyday.
When they are 14 years old, young Sikhs are allowed to join the Khalsa. Khalsa Sikhs observe the Five Ks. A special solution of sugar and water, known as Amrit, is prepared in an iron bowl whilst the five Banis (special prayers) are recited by five Sikhs in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the ceremony the Amrit is blessed and sprinkled on the hair and eyes, a prayer is said and a meal is eaten together.
Marriage ceremony
The Sikh marriage ceremony is called Anand Karaj. It is performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture.
In a Sikh wedding, scripture is read from the Granth Sahib, and after each section the bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib, showing their commitment to the teachings being read. This is done four times.
Following this, a communal prayer is said for the couple and religious hymns are sung.
Funerals
Sikhs burn their dead. As the body is bathed and clothed in fresh clothes by family members, Sikh prayers are said. The ashes are usually gathered afterwards, and put afloat in a flowing body of water — returning the person’s last physical remains to nature.
