b. The prophet and his forces withstood
a Quraysh counterattack, but even-
tually (630) the Meccans capitulated.
c. The Muslims embarked on a series of
raids in all directions across Arabia—
the targets, if they were pagans, were
invited to embrace Islam or suffer the
consequences. If they were Jews or
Christians, they had to pay taxes and
were given a covenant which even
today covers Christians and Jews liv-
ing under Muslim sovereignty.
d. By the time Muhammad died in 632
CE, he and his community controlled
most of Arabia.B. Pillars of Islam
- There are five pillars of the Islamic faith.
a. The creed. There is no god but
the God, and Muhammad is his
messenger.
b. Public prayer. All Muslims must
pray five times a day toward
Mecca, together on Fridays, first
in Muhammad’s house then in a
mosque.
c. Tithe. Every Muslim must give a
percentage of annual income to
charitable work in the Muslim
community.
d. Fast. During the 28 days of the
lunar month of Ramadan. All
food, drink, uncharitable words,
and sexual activity must cease
until after sunset.
MUSLIM HAJJ
“The Five Pillars” are funda-
mental to Islamic doctrine and
practice. Muslims are taught to
practice their religion through
these pillars. The fifth pillar is
the pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca
in what is now known as Saudi
Arabia. Mecca was the major
site where founder Muhammad
received revelations and
visions, as well as preached. In
fact, he received his first reve-
lation in Mecca. Every adult
Muslim who is financially and
physically able is expected to
travel to Mecca once in his or
her life in the month of Dhul-
Hijah approximately two
months after Ramadan (the
ninth month of the Muslim
year). Various rituals and rites
are performed during the time
in Mecca and its neighborhood.Women praying on hajj.© PhotoDisc