Just as prayer is invalid without purification, so also is i…

Just as prayer is invalid without purification, so also is it worthless without proper intention, known as niyya. Niyya is required, in fact, before any ritual performance as well as other important activities, such as finding a marriage partner. Niyya ensures a proper mental and spiritual attitude, free from both rote repetition and casualness.

 The final pillar of Islam is also the most dramatic and dev…

 The final pillar of Islam is also the most dramatic and developed of all Muslim ritual practices. The pilgrimage to Mecca during the holy pilgrimage month of Dhu al-Hijja (literally, “ with the hajj”) is held monthly. It is required once in each Muslim’s lifetime, but only if he or she is legally an adult, as well as both physically and financially capable.

The majority of pre-Islamic Arabs were polytheists, but mono…

The majority of pre-Islamic Arabs were polytheists, but monotheism was also strongly present. Different approaches to religion attracted different people for different reasons. Monotheism was attractive because it was personalized and local. Local holy men, local deities, local shrines, local stories, and local religious practices formed the center of small-scale community life.  Although Islam is an adamantly polytheistic faith that worships only God, the Prophet Muhammad is a pivotal human figure, serving as the ideal role model of a person of faith, family member, friend, and leader.