1. Religion & Spirituality

Islam: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Shia and Sunni Muslims
: What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims? : Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most
Ramadan 2012
Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. What are the dates for Ramadan in 2012?
Hajj 2012
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What are the dates for Hajj in 2012?
Crescent Moon
The Christians have the cross, the Jews have the star of David, and the Muslims have the crescent moon, right? What is the history behind the crescent moon symbol? What does it symbolize or mean? How and when did it become associated with the faith of Islam?
Salat-l-Istikhara
Information about salat-l-istikhara, the Islamic prayer for guidance. This prayer should be done whenever a Muslim faces an important decision.
Islamic Prayer Timings
Muslims pray five times each day. At what times do these prayers occur, and how do Muslims determine when to pray?
How to Pray
How to perform the daily Muslim prayers, including the words and movements.
Islamic Funerals
Description of Islamic funeral rites, including care for the dying, funeral prayers, burial, and mourning.
What is Ramadan?
Introduction to Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting - why do Muslims fast?
Introduction to Islam
Basic information about the faith of Islam -- what Muslims believe, where Muslims live, how they perceive God, and the main practices and holidays of the faith.
Prophets of Islam
According to Islamic teaching, Allah (God) has sent many prophets throughout time to teaching the message of monotheism, Islam.
Islamic Calendar 2012
A calendar of Islamic holidays, observances, and special events for 2012 (corresponding to Islamic year 1433 H.)
Islamic Clothing Glossary
Muslims generally observe modest dress, but the variety of styles and colors have various names depending on the country. Here is a glossary of the most common names of Islamic clothing for both men and women, along with photos and descriptions.
Assalamu alaikum
: A common greeting among Muslims, meaning "Peace be with you." The appropriate response is "Wa alaikum
Eid Al-Fitr 2012
Eid Al-Fitr is a holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting which is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What is the date for Eid Al-Fitr in 2012?
Alcohol in Islam
Why is alcohol forbidden in Islam, and which verses in the Qur'an prohibit its consumption?
Hijrah Calendar
There are twelve lunar months per year in the Islamic or 'Hijrah' Calendar used by Muslims
Courtship
How do Muslims find marriage partners? What is the process of courtship and dating in Islam?
Solar/Lunar Eclipses in Islam
Muslims conduct special prayers during solar or lunar eclipses
Creation of the Universe
The descriptions of creation in the Quran are not intended as dry historical accounts, but rather to
Eid al-Fitr
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world have a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Islamic Holidays
What holidays do Muslims celebrate? What is the significance of Ramadan, Hajj, and the other Islamic observances?
Parts of a Mosque
While there is a lot of variation in Islamic mosque architecture, there are some parts of a mosque that are universal.
Muslim Baby Names
Giving your child a meaningful name is one of the first duties of parenthood. Find out how to choose a Muslim baby name for your newborn.
Top Myths About Islam
Islam is a widely-misundertood religion. Those who are unfamiliar with the faith often have misunderstandings about its teachings and practices. Common misconceptions include that Muslims worship a moon-god, that Islam is oppressive against women, or that Islam is a faith that promotes violence. Here we bust these myths and expose the true teachings of Islam.
Muslim Names for Girls
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Islamic Clothing
Introduction: Islam has set minimum standards for personal modesty, which are reflected in the various
The Ka'aba
Description and history of the Ka'aba, the cube structure in Makkah that is the center of the Muslim world.
Muslim girls & hijab
At what age are Muslim girls expected to start wearing the hijab, or Islamic headcovering?
How to Convert to Islam
If you find that you believe the teachings of Islam, you may want to convert to the faith. Here's how to officially convert to Islam.
Islamic Prayer Times Around the World
Choose your location, and find local Islamic prayer times. Data for 5 million cities worldwide, at your fingertips!
Jesus in the Quran
Quotations about Jesus from Islam's holy text, the Quran.
Capital Punishment
What crimes are punishable by death in Islam? How does the death penalty reconcile with Islamic virtues of mercy and forgiveness?
What is Jihad?
: What is Jihad? The word Jihad stems from the Arabic root word J-H-D, which means "strive." Other words
Interfaith Marriage
Is interfaith marriage allowed in Islam? What does Islam say about a Muslim marrying a Christian or Jewish person, or a person of another faith?
Eid al-Adha
What is Eid al-Adha? At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world
Faith during tragedy
Advice for Muslims during times of tragedy and despair: call on Allah and strive to patiently persevere.
Ajiza’ of the Qur’an
To ease the reading process, especially during the month of Ramadan, the Qur’an is divided into 30 sections, called a “juz” (plural: “ajiza”). Find an index of all of them here, with links to further information about the chapters, verses, and themes of each section.
Smoking Fatwa
Is cigarette smoking forbidden in Islam? Is there an Islamic fatwa about smoking? What do the Qur'an, hadith, and Islamic scholars say about smoking?
Muslim Population
Where in the world do Muslims live? Find statistics about the Muslim population of the world.
God in Islam
The concept of God in Islam - who is Allah and what is His nature?
Eid Al-Adha 2012
Eid Al-Adha is a holiday marking the end of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca which is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What is the date for Eid Al-Adha in 2012?
Clothing Requirements
What are the Islamic clothing requirements for men and women? What rules do Muslims follow in this regard, and what are they based upon?
Islamic Swimwear
Active Muslim women like to participate in water sports, but often feel limited by the sports clothing available. Here is a list of shops where you can buy modest Islamic swimwear.
Online Islamic Clothing Stores
These online stores sell Islamic clothing, including hijab, abaya, jilbab, niqab, shalwar khamiz, etc.
marriedlife
In Islam, the marriage relationship is characterized by safety, comfort, and love. Married life in Islam is also governed by mutual rights and responsibilities of husband and wife.
Adopting a Child in Islam
Is adopting a child possible under Islamic law? Learn more of what Islam teaches about orphans, foster parenting, and adoption.
Islamic Prayer
All you need to know about how Muslims pray - the intentions, the words and actions, and the timings of Islamic prayer.
Steps of Hajj: Before Hajj
An overview of the steps of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, day by day. Before the Hajj begins, pilgrims begin to gather in Mecca and make preparations.
Mothers
A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked
Marriage Contract
The Islamic marriage contract must contain certain elements in order to meet Islamic legal requirements.
English Translations of Quran
The best English translations of Islam's holy book, the Quran (Koran).
Crescent Moon Symbol
There are several Muslim countries that feature the crescent moon symbol on their national flag, although the crescent moon is not generally considered to be a symbol of Islam.
Apps for Muslims
iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch apps for Muslims - Islamic applications which are useful for Muslims to read Qur'an, calculate prayer times, and even locate halal food.
Muslim Names for Boys
Giving your child a meaningful name is one of the first duties of parenthood. Find out how to choose a Muslim baby name for your newborn son.
Ramadan Information
Muslims around the world anticipate the arrival of the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection, community and family bonds.
Definition: Fatwa
What is a fatwa? Who is authorized to give one, and must all Muslims follow it?
Birth Rites
Upon the birth of a child, certain rites are common among Muslims such as reciting the call to prayer, circumcision, and breastfeeding the child.
Condoning Murder in the Quran
: Aren't there some verses of the Quran that condone "killing the infidel"? : The Qur'an commands Muslims
Jerusalem in Islam
Jerusalem is considered a holy city in many different faiths. Here is an explanation of why the city of Jerusalem is important in Islam.
Baghdad in Islamic History
During the Golden Age of Islamic civilization, the city of Baghdad was the global center of education and scholarship.
Learn How to Pray
Learn how to perform the Islamic daily prayers using the internet and multimedia.
Du'a
In addition to the formal, daily prayers, Muslims make du'a (call upon God) throughout the day
Gallery of Photos from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Gallery of photos from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Christians in the Quran
Quotations from the Quran about Christians
Ramadan 2011
Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. What are the dates for Ramadan in 2011?
Suicide Bombers
What does Islamic law say about the legitimacy of suicide attacks? Is this method of fighting a valid form of jihad?
Missed Prayers
Muslims pray five formal prayers daily. What is one to do if a prayer is missed due to lack of time or place to pray? Can the prayers be made up at a later time, or does it automatically count as a sin that cannot be rectified?
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is known as a place of healing, but according to Islamic tradition, it also stands as a sign of God's punishment.
Meaning of the Adhan
Translation and transliteration of the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) in English.
Dietary Law
Basic information about Islamic dietary law, including the prohibition against alcohol and pork, and Islamic slaughtering methods.
Muslim Baby Girl Names – A
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter A. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Non-Muslims in Mecca?
Why aren't non-muslims allowed to visit the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia?
Halal: Ingredient Lists
With the complications of manufacturing and food production, it's hard for Muslims to know what goes into the food we eat. Most Muslims know to look out for pork, alcohol, and gelatin on ingredient labels. But can we eat products that contain ergocalciferol or glycerol stearate? To help with your halal eating and drinking, check ingredient lists.
Sources of Islamic Law
Islamic law is based upon four main sources: the Quran itself, the Sunnah or practices of the Prophet Muhammad; Ijma' or the consensus of Muslim scholars; and Qiyas or new case law decided upon by Shari'ah judges.
Barack Obama's Name
Email rumors have charged that U.S. President Barack Obama is (or used to be) a practing Muslim, an urban legend that has since been proven false. However, Obama does have an unusual name which reflects his African Muslim heritage. What is the meaning of his name?
Muslim Baby Girl Names – S
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter S. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Quran on Terrorism
What does Islam's holy book teach about peace, war, and violence? Does the Quran condone terrorism done in Allah's name?
Hajj Information
Information about the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, with links to further resources.
Pilgrimage Clothing
What do Muslims wear during Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca? Is there any special clothing required?
Qiblah Finder
The Qiblah determines the direction of the daily Muslim prayers, the position towards which a Muslim should stand during prayer. Muslims always face Mecca, Saudi Arabia during prayer. When traveling, use these online Qiblah finders to determine the direction of Mecca from your location.
Benefits of Ramadan
The benefits of fasting, and the lessons to be learned during Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting).
Islamic Prayer Rugs
Islamic prayer rugs are used to ensure that the area used for prayer is clean. The rugs often have embroidered designs and come in standard sizes, but are not required to be used.
Wedding Customs
After a couple signs the Islamic marriage contract, families usually hold a public wedding party (walima). Traditions and customs vary in different areas of the diverse Muslim world.
Day of Arafat 2012
The Day of Arafat is an important observance which falls during the Islamic month of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. What is the date for the Day of Arafat in 2012?
Proper Handling of the Quran
Rules for the proper handling of the Quran -- who can touch the Islamic sacred book and under what conditions.
Islamic Charities
Muslims generally strive to be generous and humble in their charitable contributions, but it is getting harder to do so in today's climate of suspicion and fear. Some Islamic charities have been shut down on allegations of re-routing funds to terrorist causes, causing Muslims to become wary of where their money is going. We have scaled down the list of the most reputable Islamic charities, helping the poor and needy throughout the world.
Islamic Marriage
In Islam, marriage is a social and legal relationship intended to strengthen and extend family relationships. Islamic marriage begins with a search for an appropriate partner, and ends with an agreement of marriage, the contract, and the wedding party.
Arabic Language
Arabic is considered by many to be a language that is central to the Islamic faith. Doesn't God speak all languages? What is the importance of the Arabic language in Islam?
Muslim Baby Name Books
When choosing a Muslim name for your child or a new convert, these Muslim baby name books can help.
Isra' and Mi'raj
The meaning and significance of Isra' and Mi'raj in Islam, the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascension into Heaven.
Muslim Baby Girl Names – M
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter M. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Family of the Prophet
The family members of the Prophet Muhammad were noble and strong women. His wives are known as the Mothers of the Believers. The Prophet Muhammad also had four daughters.
Homosexuality
What does Islam say about homosexuality? Are homosexual Muslims punished by law?
How To Make Wud'u
How Muslims made Wudu (ablution before prayer). A step-by-step explanation of how to make wudu.
Islamic Phrases: Alhamdulillah
: A phrase that Muslims often use in conversation, especially when thanking God for blessings. It literally
Muslim Baby Girl Names – R
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter R. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Prophet Saleh
A profile of the Prophet named Saleh, according to Islamic teachings – including his life, his people, his message, and his story according to the Quran.
McDonald's in Riyadh
A McDonald's restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Muslim Victims of 9/11
Many Muslims worked in the World Trade Center towers, or were passengers on the airplanes that were hijacked in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Find a list of Muslim victims of September 11th, 2001.
Muslim Baby Girl Names – SH
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letters SH. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Biographies of the Prophet ...
Learn more about the last prophet of Islam, Muhammad. These biographies will tell you about his life, his message, and his legacy.
Fitna
: The word fitna comes from an Arabic verb which means to "seduce, tempt, or lure." There are many shades
Leyla Al-Qadr 2012
Leyla Al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is among the holiest of days during the month of Ramadan in Islam. What are the dates for Leyla Al-Qadr in 2012?
Tattoos in Islam
What does Islam say about tattoos? Is it allowed for a Muslim to get a tattoo?
Muslim Baby Girl Names – B
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter B. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Female Companions
These honorable people were community members in the early years of Islam who protected, followed, and believed in the Prophet Muhammad. They are known as the Companions of the Prophet.
Jesus' Miraculous Birth
Islamic beliefs about the virgin birth of Jesus
Reading the Quran
Tips to follow when you read the holy book of Islam, the Quran. Includes information about how the holy text is organized, historical context, proper handling, etc.
Muslim Baby Boy Names – A
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby boy, consult this list of Muslim baby boy names that start with the letter A. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Women Named in Quran
There is one woman mentioned by name in the Quran. Other women are discussed in the Quran, and we know their names from Islamic tradition.
Nikah Definition
What is the meaning of nikah in the Islamic marriage process?
Economic System of Islam
An overview of the basic principles of Islamic economics, including discussions of interest/usury, gambling, fraud, extravagance, and greed.
Woman in Abaya
Photo of a woman in Saudi Arabia wearing the traditional abaya.
Anti-Islamic Cartoons
Ibrahim Hooper of CAIR asks what the Prophet Muhammad would do in response to the recent Danish cartoon controversy. Are the reactions and protests of Muslims in line with the example of the Prophet?
Islamic Calendars Home/Office
Dual-date Islamic wall calendars, with both 2012 Gregorian dates and the anticipated 1433 H. Islamic dates. These calendars are functional, and beautiful to display at home or work.
Taraweeh Prayers
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims conduct special prayers each night, called taraweeh prayers, during which long portions of the Qur'an are recited.
Printable Islamic Calendar
This free, printable Islamic calendar for year 1432 H. (2011) includes the full year on one page, dual-dates, and important holidays for the year.
Prayers of Thanks
What do Muslims say as a du'a (prayer) to give thanks to God?
The Prophet Muhammad
The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in Islam. He revealed the words of the Quran, Islam's holy book, and lived Islam as an example for Muslims to follow. The Prophet Muhammad was the last in a series of prophets that Allah sent to teach monotheism.
Islamic New Year 1434 H./2012
Islamic New Year 1434 H. will fall during 2012. The Islamic year does not align with the Gregorian calendar, so what is the date for the Islamic New Year in 2012?
Muslim Musicians
Despite varying religious opinions about the permissibility of music in Islam, there are many Muslim artists who have gained popularity with their interpretation of Islamic music, or nasheed. Many of these voice artists limit their use of musical accompaniment to drums only.
Muslim Baby Girl Names – N
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby girl, consult this list of Muslim baby girl names that start with the letter N. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Books of Du'a (Islamic Supp...
In addition to the five daily prayers, Muslim say personal prayers or supplications throughout the day. These personal prayers are known as du'a, which means 'calling upon God.' These books help guide the Muslim in du'a, offering sample prayers in both Arabic and English.
Mihrab
: An ornamental indentation in the wall of a mosque, which marks the direction of the qiblah . Mihrabs
Prohibited Names in Islam
Giving your child a meaningful Muslim name is one of the first duties of parenthood. There are some names that are disliked or forbidden in Islam.
Hajj Dates
: When is the Hajj? : Every year, millions of Muslims gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage,
Insurance in Islam
What do Muslims believe about insurance? Is it acceptable in Islam to take out health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, etc.? Are there Islamic alternatives to conventional insurance programs? Would Muslims seek a religious exemption if the purchase of insurance were required by law?
Humility
Muslims constantly strive to remember and practice Islamic virtues, and put them into practice throughout their daily lives. Among these great Islamic virtues are submission to Allah, self-restraint, discipline, sacrifice, patience, brotherhood, generosity, and humility. During prayer in particular, Muslims humble themselves before God.
Introductory Books About Islam
Learn more about the Islamic faith through these introductory books, personally recommended by your About.com Guide to Islam.
Hajj Travel Agents in U.S.
The following travel agencies have been approved by the government of Saudi Arabia to provide Hajj and Umrah trips for Muslims in the United States.
Medical Ethics in Islam
How do Muslims feel about such issues as euthenasia, organ donation, life support, cloning, infertility treatments, and abortion? What does Islam teach about these issues?
Muslim Name Origins
Giving your child a meaningful name is one of the first duties of parenthood. When choosing a Muslim baby name, it does not have to be an Arabic name.
Prepare for Hajj travel
The annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj) draws crowds of nearly 3 million people to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The government of Saudi Arabia has had to institute policies and procedures in order to handle the logistics of providing for such large numbers of people.
Prophet Hud
A profile of the Prophet named Hud, according to Islamic teachings - including his life, his people, his message, and his story according to the Quran.
The Day of Arafat
What is the meaning and significance of the Day of Arafat, which occurs during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Hajj?
Milad an-Nabi
Milad an-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, is celebrated by some Muslims but not all.
Allah's Names and Attributes
The Qur'an calls upon Muslims to remember Allah, the One True Almighty God, and to call only upon Him
Online Islamic Greeting Cards
Send greetings to your Muslim family and friends with this selection of free, online greeting cards. For Eid, Ramadan, Hajj, and other special occasions.
Muslim Baby Boy Names – B
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby boy, consult this list of Muslim baby boy names that start with the letter B. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Muslim Baby Boy Names – M
When choosing a Muslim name for your baby boy, consult this list of Muslim baby boy names that start with the letter M. The list includes the meaning of each name.
Halal Eating and Drinking
Muslims follow a set of dietary laws which are outlined in the Qur'an. Everything is permitted (halal), except what God specifically prohibited (haram). Muslims do not consume pork or alcohol, and follow a humane process for the slaughter of animals for meat. Within these rules, there is wide variation among the eating habits of Muslims around the world.
Eid Al-Fitr 2011
Eid Al-Fitr is a holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting which is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What is the date for Eid Al-Fitr in 2011?
Islamic Abbreviation: SWT
: When writing the name of God (Allah), Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SWT." These letters
Prayers for Forgiveness
What do Muslims say as a du'a (prayer) to ask Allah for forgiveness?
Qiblah
: The direction that Muslims face when engaged in ritual prayer. In Muslim religious practice, worshippers
Quran and Science
The Quran contains many scientific facts which are supported by modern findings. In Islam, there is no conflict between faith in God and modern scientific knowledge.

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