Giving alms to the poor and needy; the third Pillar of of the Islamic faith.
Ablution; ritual cleansing of certain parts of the body and performed prior to salat prayers, other acts of worship, and other religious practices; literally and spiritually means "making pure or radiant."
Born in 570 C.E. and was orphaned at the age of 6, eventually living with his uncle who raised him.
Literally means "striving"; striving to obey the commands of God; often translated by non-Muslims as "holy war."
Mandatory fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month. Muslims may fast on several other occasions in addition to this; the fourth Pillar of the Islamic faith.
The migration of Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah. the Islamic calendar begins from this date.
The practice of having more than one wife at a time; under certain conditions, Islam allows men to marry up to four wives.
Ritual cleansing of the entire body; an act of purification so that an individual can participate in prayer, attend the Mosque, or touch the Qur'an.
A special infallible kind of inspiration (Arabic: wahi) reserved for only those who are appointed by God as Prophets.
The practices, traditions, and example set by the Prophet.
The Islamic creed or declaration of faith: There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God. It is the first pillar of the Islamic faith.
Islamic law; based on the Qur'an, the Sunnah (i.e., the example set by the Prophet).
The holy book of Islam, seen as God's word not Muhammad's word even though Muhammad conveyed it.
The ascension of Muhammad into heaven.
Literally means "submission" or "surrender" to the will of God; a world religion that believes in one God and that the word of God was sent via God's holy messenger, Muhammad.
Ritual prayer (or service of worship) that takes place before dawn, early afternoon, late-afternoon, soon after sunset and then an hour and a half later in the evening; the second Pillar of the Islamic faith.