Marking Time in Islam

1. Marking Time in Islam

2. How time is measured A day in Islam is determined by the rising and setting of the sun A month is determined by the cycles of the moon – there are always only 12 months in a year There is 10 day drift every year that is not corrected Islamic time is measured from the Hijra – 2012 is 1443-1444 AH.

3. 5 Pillars and Festivals The 5 pillars help Muslims order their time Prayer is the rhythm of daily life (5x) The fast is the name of the month of Ramadan Fast ends with EidUl-Fitr The pilgrimage is done during the month of pilgrimages “Dhu’l-Hijja” The pilgrimage remembers the Prophet Abraham EidUl-Adha(which ends the pilgrimage and remembers Abraham being commanded to sacrifice his son.

4. Life-cycle rituals Birth – When a child is born the first sound they should hear is the adhan in their right ear A naming ceremony is held, usually 7 days after birth – often baby’s head is shaved or hair is cut A naming ceremony is sometimes used as an initiation rite for converts (e.g. Muhammad Ali) Male children are circumcised (timing varies)

5. Life-cycle rituals Marriage- Many traditions are related to local culture Polygamy is rare in Islam today Guided marriage is common, as dating is generally not allowed Weddings are simple – vows and readings from the Qur’an Divorce is strongly discouraged

6. Life-cycle rituals Death – the last words of a Muslim should be the Shahada, the proclamation of faith Corpses are washed, covered and buried as soon as possible Bodies are buried with the head facing Mecca