Islam
Muslims became the majority of the South Asian population in the plains of the Indus and west Punjab. Elsewhere they formed important minorities, notably in the towns of the central heartland such as Lucknow. During the 1st century after Mohammad death Islam split into two sects which where divided into two political Ashraf and Sunni. The Islamic calendar begins on 16th July 622 AD, the date of the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina. The first month of the year is Moharram and Ramajan is observed as the month of fasting.
The five pillars of Islam
In addition to the belief that there is one God and that Mohammed is his prophet, there are four further obligatory requirements imposed on Muslims.
- Daily prayers are prescribed at day break, noon, afternoon, sunset and nightfall.
- Muslims must give alms to the poor.
- They must observe a strict fast during the month of Ramajan. They must not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.
- Lastly, they should attempt the pilgrimage to the Ka’aba in Mecca, known as the Hajj. Those who have done so are entitled to the prefix Haji before their name.
Islamic rules differ from Hindu practice in several other aspects of daily life. Muslims are strictly forbidden to drink alcohol. Eating pork, or any meat from an animal not killed by draining its blood while alive, is also prohibited. Meat prepared in the appropriate way is called Halal. Finally, usury (charging interest on loans) and games of chance are forbidden. |
