Islam

Background
Muslims believe that there is one God (Allah) who is the supreme creator and sustainer of the universe. Islam, as a Semitic religion, has some historical roots in common with Judaism and Christianity. Islam's main religious text, the Holy Qur'an, mentions 25 "messengers" of Allah including Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muhammad, born around 570 AD near Mecca, was the last and greatest prophet. Muslims form two distinctive groups, 'Sunni' and 'Shi'a'. 'Sunni' Muslims are thought to make up over 75% of the total Muslim population.

Fundamental beliefs
Islamic beliefs incorporate concepts of Piety, Righteousness, Sin, Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood, Morality and Peace.

Observances - the "five pillars"
1. The first pillar is the confession of faith (the 'shahada') which includes the affirmation that "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet".
2. The second pillar is prayer (Salah). Five obligatory daily prayers are offered in devotion to Allah. Obligatory prayers also include Friday (noon) and the funeral prayers. Daily prayers must be conducted at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, just after sunset and at night.

The following must be observed before prayers:
a) Ablutions (washing) of specific parts of the body.
b) The call to public prayer (Adhan) and entrance into prayer (Igamah).

Prayers should be conducted in a mosque, whenever possible, but always at noon on Fridays. Women do not have to attend mosque but must pray at home. If women do attend, they pray separately from men. Shoes are removed in the mosque. Muslims must face Mecca (South East). After the 'Igamah' a Muslim stands in reverence and then conducts a series of bows from the waist, together with prostrations, in which the forehead touches the ground. There are special prayers for religious occasions, such as the 'Eed' prayers. The first Eed prayer (Festival of Fast Breaking) follows Ramadan (the month of fasting in the Muslim year). The second 'Eid' prayer (Festival of Sacrifice) is conducted in the last month of the Muslim year.

Women are forbidden to pray during menstruation.

3. The third pillar is fasting (Sawm). During Ramadan, Muslims must abstain from all nourishment, smoking and sexual intercourse from before dawn till sunset. The Islamic year is lunar and the timing varies. Children and the sick are permitted to break the fast and make it up later as are those who are on long journeys. Women who are in confinement or menstruating are not to fast until a specified period of time has elapsed
4. The fourth pillar is the giving of alms (Zakah). The Qur'an commands that a minimum of 2.5% of net income is to be given to the poor.
5. The fifth pillar is pilgrimage (Hajj). There is a duty upon every Muslim, who is fit and can afford it, to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

Main festivals
Ramadan- (Festival of Fasting in the ninth lunar month).
Eid-ul-Fitr- (Festival of Fast Breaking occurs in the month of 'Shawwal' after Ramadan).
Eid-ul-adha- (Festival of Sacrifice in the tenth day of the twelfth month). Most Muslims make their pilgrimage to Mecca during this festival as part of Hajj.
Muharram-the beginning of the Islamic year.

Forms of address
Standard forms of address are acceptable (i.e. Mr, Miss, Mrs or Madam). Many Muslims do not have a family name. Some may adopt a religious name, such as "Abdu'I" which means "servant of the..."which is followed by one of the Names by which God has named Himself in the Qur'an. This can be followed by a personal name, the father's name and then the grandfather's name, either of which may be considered the family name. Members of the same family may have different names. Some Muslims have adopted the British custom of using two names. If in doubt ask for the personal and family names. Remember not to ask for the Christian name.

Social Life - Marriage
Marriage is taken very seriously and considered as a permanent bond. Most marriages are arranged, but not without consent. The final decision is left with the woman. Traditionally, women were offered security within polygamous. Marriage in societies where they outnumbered men. Monogamy is usually practised in Britain. Muslim women are allowed to earn their own living and inherite thier own property.
Divorce is permitted as a final resort, but only after there have been persistent attempts at reconciliation. Before marriage, gifts are exchanged between families and the dowry (mahar) is offered. The dowry is paid by the husband to the wife as a personal gift. Once the civil ceremony is over a religious ceremony is held at the mosque or in the bride's home. The religious leader (the 'Imam') will normally conduct the wedding. Usually the marriage will not have been consummated until after the religious ceremony. During the ceremony the bride and groom remain in separate rooms. The bride's presence is not essential, just her consent. The groom signs the marriage contract.

Diet, taboos and social etiquette
Alcohol and drugs are forbidden and blasphemy is offensive. Pork is prohibited and any meat eaten must have been slaughtered in accordance with the Qur'an and must be'Halal'. Food cooked in non-Halal fat is also forbidden. The left hand must not be used for giving, pointing, shaking or eating. Women should be covered and avoid physical contact with men to whom they are not related. It is best to speak to Muslim women whilst another woman or a family member is present. Do not offer to shake hands. A Muslim woman is expected to lower her gaze when speaking to a strange man.

The Qur'an is considered sacred and should not be touched casually. Staff should ask a Muslim passenger to remove any religious artifacts, including the Qur'an, from their baggage before conducting a search. If, when making a home visit, obligatory prayers are interrupted, it is essential that time is given for the person(s) to finish.