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Islam: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Eid Al-Adha 2009
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 2009?
Hajj 2009
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What are the dates for Hajj in 2009?
Shia and Sunni Muslims
A brief outline of the major differences between "Shia" and "Sunni" Muslims, focusing on historical divisions of political and spiritual leadership.
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?
Definition: Fatwa
What is a fatwa? Who is authorized to give one, and must all Muslims follow it?
Islamic Calendar 2009
A calendar of Islamic holidays, observances, and special events for 2009 (corresponding to Islamic year 1430 H.)
Eid al-Adha
Description of the meaning and practice of the Muslim holiday "Eid al-Adha" (the Festival of Sacrifice), which follows the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj).
Hijrah Calendar
Description and origins of the Islamic or 'Hijrah' calendar used by Muslims
Muslim Baby Names
Giving your child a meaningful name is one of the first duties of parenthood. Find out how to choose Muslim baby names for your newborn.
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.
Eid Al-Fitr 2009
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 2009?
Islamic Holidays
What holidays do Muslims celebrate? What is the significance of Ramadan, Hajj, and the other Islamic observances?
Islamic Clothing
Answers to your most common questions about Islamic clothing: Why do Muslims dress in distinctive clothing? Don't they get hot? What do the different colors and styles of dress mean, and what are they called? What's the difference between a chador, abaya, and jilbab? What do they call the "hijab" in English? Where can Muslims buy this type of clothing?
Islamic Prayer Timings
Muslims pray five times each day. At what times do these prayers occur, and how do Muslims determine when to pray?
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.
How to Pray
How to perform the daily Muslim prayers, including the words and movements.
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 Funerals
Description of Islamic funeral rites, including care for the dying, funeral prayers, burial, and mourning.
The Ka'aba
Description and history of the Ka'aba, the cube structure in Mecca that is the center of the Muslim world.
Hajj Information
Information about the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, with links to further resources.
Printable Islamic Calendar
This free, printable Islamic calendar for year 1430 H. (2009) includes the full year on one page, dual-dates, and important holidays for the year.
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.
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.
Day of Arafat 2009
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 2009?
God in Islam
The concept of God in Islam - who is Allah and what is His nature?
Muslim Names for Girls
muslim baby names islamic names girls islam baby daughter child birth parent pregnant pregnancy converts change names muhammad revert mohammed mohamed prophet god religion allah moslem
Prophets of Islam
God has sent many prophets throughout time to teaching the message of Islam
Creation of the Universe
According to the Qur'an, Islam's holy text, the universe was created by God in six long "periods" of time. The Qur'an also describes the orbit of the planets, the expansion of the universe, and other "signs" of God's intricate natural laws -- as evidence of the Divine Order.
Ramadan 2009
Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. What are the dates for Ramadan in 2009?
Islamic Prayer Times Around the World
Choose your location, and find local Islamic prayer times. Data for 5 million cities worldwide, at your fingertips!
Muslim Population
Where in the world do Muslims live? Find statistics about the Muslim population of the world.
What is Ramadan?
Introduction to Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting - why do Muslims fast?
Baghdad in Islamic History
During the Golden Age of Islamic civilization, the city of Baghdad was the global center of education and scholarship.
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.
Hajj Dates
FAQ: When is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia -- known as the "Hajj" ?
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.
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.
Alcohol in Islam
Why is alcohol forbidden in Islam, and which verses in the Qur'an prohibit its consumption?
Halloween in Islam
Do Muslims celebrate Halloween? How is Halloween perceived in Islam? What is the pagan history of this holiday?
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?
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.
Courtship
How do Muslims find marriage partners? What is the process of courtship and dating in Islam?
Suicide Bombers
What does Islamic law say about the legitimacy of suicide attacks? Is this method of fighting a valid form of jihad?
Capital Punishment
What crimes are punishable by death in Islam? How does the death penalty reconcile with Islamic virtues of mercy and forgiveness?
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.
Ramadan 2010
Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. What are the dates for Ramadan in 2010?
Islamic Clip Art
Islamic clip art resources: calligraphic images clip art galleries web clip art calligraphy archive photos of mosques
The Day of Arafat
What is the meaning and significance of the Day of Arafat, which occurs during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Hajj?
Marriage Contract
The Islamic marriage contract must contain certain elements in order to meet Islamic legal requirements.
Dietary Law
Basic information about Islamic dietary law, including the prohibition against alcohol and pork, and Islamic slaughtering methods.
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.
Assalamu alaikum
Definition of the Islamic greeting phrase, "Assalamu alaikum."
Turkey
The Turkish flag features the crescent moon symbol, although the crescent moon is not generally considered to be a symbol of Islam.
Islamic New Year 1431 H./2009
Islamic New Year 1431 H. will fall during 2009. The Islamic year does not align with the Gregorian calendar, so what is the date for the Islamic New Year in 2009?
Jesus in the Qur'an
Quotations about Jesus from Islam's holy text, the Qur'an.
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?
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.
What is Jihad?
What is the meaning of "jihad" from an Islamic point of view?
Hajj 2010
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What are the dates for Hajj in 2010?
Muslim girls & hijab
At what age are Muslim girls expected to start wearing the hijab, or Islamic headcovering?
Live Hajj Coverage on Saudi TV
Watch live Saudi TV coverage of the Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca)
Pilgrimage Clothing
What do Muslims wear during Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca? Is there any special clothing required?
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?
Condoning Murder in the Qur'an
Aren't there some verses in the Qur'an that condone "killing the indifel"? How are these verses to be interpreted in light of modern-day terrorism?
Online Islamic Clothing Stores
These online stores sell Islamic clothing, including hijab, abaya, jilbab, niqab, shalwar khamiz, etc.
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.
Non-Muslims in Mecca?
Why aren't non-muslims allowed to visit the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia?
First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah
What is the significance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Islamic pilgrimage?
Muslim Baby Name Books
When choosing a Muslim name for your child or a new convert, these Muslim baby name books can help.
Health Care for the Muslim Patient: Birth
Information for the medical community about the care and needs of Muslim patients.
Islamic Science
Resources on the history of Islamic Science: surah al baqarah astronomy mathematics prophet muhammad religion of islam islamic science
Qur'an on Terrorism
What does Islam's holy book teach about peace, war, and violence? Does the Qur'an condone terrorism done in Allah's name?
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.
Islamic Calendar 2008
A calendar of Islamic holidays, observances, and special events for 2008 (corresponding to 1429 H.)
Sources of Islamic Law
Islamic law is based upon four main sources: the Qu'ran 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.
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?
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?
Learn How to Pray
Learn how to perform the Islamic daily prayers using internet video and multimedia.
Health Care for the Muslim Patient: Illness and Death
Information for the medical community about the care and needs of Muslim patients.
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.
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.
Islamic Calendars for Home ...
Dual-date Islamic wall calendars, with both Gregorian dates and the anticipated Islamic dates. These calendars are functional, and beautiful to display at home or work.
Du'a
In addition to the formal, daily prayers, Muslims make du'a (call upon God) throughout the day
Appropriate Holiday Greetings
Advice on appropriate greetings to give to Muslims during Ramadan and other Islamic holidays.
The Day of 'Ashura
The historical significance of the day of 'Ashura, and how it is observed among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
English Translations of the...
The best English translations of Islam's holy book, the Qur'an (Koran).
Woman in Abaya
Photo of a woman in Saudi Arabia wearing the traditional abaya.
Masha'Allah
Why do Muslims often say "Masha'Allah" when admiring or praising something? What does this phrase mean and how is it used?
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.
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.
McDonald's in Riyadh
A McDonald's restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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?
Equality During Hajj
Guest author Ahmad Al-Akhras (CAIR) describes the sense of equality that is fostered among people during Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage.
Christians in the Qur'an
Quotations from the Qur'an about Christians
Health Care for the Muslim Patient: Daily Prayers
Information for the medical community about the care and needs of Muslim patients.
Jesus' Miraculous Birth
Islamic beliefs about the virgin birth of Jesus
Islamic Greeting Cards
Send Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid greetings to your family and friends with this beautiful collection of greeting cards for Islamic holidays.
H1N1 Prevention Hajj
Officials in Saudi Arabia are taking measures to prevent spread of the swine flu / H1N1 virus during the 2009 Hajj season. If you are planning to attend the Hajj, keep up to date about the requirements and regulations.
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.
Pilgrimage Requirements
Is every Muslim required to make the pilgrimage / Hajj to Mecca?
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.
How To Make Wud'u
How Muslims made Wudu (ablution before prayer). A step-by-step explanation of how to make wudu.
Faith during tragedy
Advice for Muslims during times of tragedy and despair: call on Allah and strive to patiently persevere.
Economic System of Islam
An overview of the basic principles of Islamic economics, including discussions of interest/usury, gambling, fraud, extravagance, and greed.
Shared Villas for Extended Family
Saudi people often live in extended family groups, with several villas attached to one another behind a single "compound" wall. Within one set of villas there may live grandparents, unmarried children, married children with their families, and others.
Islam: Empire of Faith
PBS documentary looks at the history and contributions of the Islamic world
Meaning of the Adhan
Translation and transliteration of the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) in English.
Subhan'Allah
Why do Muslims often say "Subhan'Allah" when praising God? What does this phrase mean and how is it used?
Muslim
What is a "Muslim?" Why is the word sometimes spelled "moslem?"
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?
Hajj on CNN: Islam's Journe...
Every year, millions of Muslims descend on Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage, called Hajj. Although the city of Mecca is only open to Muslim visitors, CNN airs documentary footage so that anyone can witness the incredible Hajj experience.
Islamic Phrases: Alhamdulillah
A definition of the Islamic phrase " Alhamdulillah," used when Muslims thank God for blessings.
Leyla Al-Qadr 2009
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 2009?
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.
Islamic prayer times
Islam FAQ: Why do Islamic prayer times change from day to day?
Hijab in French Schools
The French government is moving towards a ban on hijab (Islamic headscarves) and other "conspicuous religious symbols" in public schools. What's all the fuss about?
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.
"Muhammad: The Last Prophet"
"Muhammad: The Last Prophet," an animated feature film by the creators of "The King and I" and "The Fox and the Hound" will open in North American theatres the weekend of November 14, 2004. The film is set 1,400 years ago, telling the story of the early years of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi Woman on Jetski
Despite what may seem like restrictive clothing, many Saudi women find ways to have some fun.
Allah's Names and Attributes
In Islam, Almighty God is known as "Allah" and has many different attributes, or descriptive names, which explain more about His nature.
Muslim Stamp
In 2001, the USPS issued a Muslim stamp to honor the two Islamic holidays each year. This Eid postage stamp continues to be reissued, amidst some controversy and calls for a boycott.
Introductory Books About Islam
Learn more about the Islamic faith through these introductory books, personally recommended by your About.com Guide to Islam.
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.
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.
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.
Hajj in History
Can the Islamic pilgrimage, or Hajj, retain its spiritual meaning in modern times?
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.
Mothers
Islam teaches one to have high respect for one's mother; the Prophet Muhammad once said that "paradise is at her feet."
Milad an-Nabi
Milad an-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, is celebrated by some Muslims but not all.
Saudi Family Villa
Photo of a private home in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Adhan Computer Programs
With these software downloads, one can program the adhan (Muslim call to prayer) for each of the five daily prayers.
Hajj Manuals
If you plan on traveling for Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) in the near future, these books and multimedia presentations are handy guides.
Villa Privacy Walls
Some private homes make their walls even higher, to protect the family from neighbors' prying eyes. The exterior walls of villas usually enclose the family home as well as a private garden or outdoor area.
Guide to Performing Hajj
Once in a lifetime, every Muslim strives to go to Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. This video offers an overview of the Hajj experience, including clips from Mecca, recitation from the Qur'an regarding the Hajj, speeches by Saudi leaders, and specific guidance from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
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.
Before You Read the Qur'an
Tips for you to follow when first reading the holy book of Islam, the Qur'an
Saudi Desert Landscape
Picture of the desert in Saudi Arabia
Hajj Travel Agents in U.S.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC has approved the following travel agencies for Hajj and Umrah trips for U.S. Muslims.
Top Books About Muslim Women
Learn more about women in the faith of Islam: their lives, struggles, rights, hopes, and realities.
Qiblah
What is the "qiblah" and what role does it have in Islamic prayer and worship?
Women Named in Qur'an
There is one woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an. Other women are discussed in the Qur'an, and we know their names from Islamic tradition.
Muslim Condemnations of 9/11
Muslims leaders have spoken out against indiscriminate violence and terror done in the name of Islam, particularly the events of 9/11
Arabic Language Educational...
Books and tapes to help you learn the Arabic language at your own pace, in the privacy of your own home.
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.
Proper Handling of the Quran
Rules for the proper handling of the Quran -- who can touch the Islamic sacred book and under what conditions.
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.
Apartments and Shops
Apartments in Riyadh are usually located over store-fronts.
Moon-Sighting at Ramadan
As Ramadan approaches each year, Muslims debate the most correct moon-sighting process for determining the beginning of the month.
Islamic Clip Art Software
Islamic Clip Art, including calligraphy, borders, designs, photos, art, Arabic lettering, and architecture from the Muslim world
Palestinian Scarves
Palestinian support scarves/kuffiyeh: what they are and where to buy them
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