ISLAM IS… ISBN 0-9719158-0-6 Copyright ... - Islam Tomorrow

One must remember that Islam does not have any sacred relics orsymbols. We are not worshipping the Ka`bah; we simply worshipGod while facing the Ka`bah. Facing the Ka`bah to pray unifiesthe worshippers in their prayer to The One God. Anyone whoworships the Ka`bah or any other created thing would be consideredan idol worshipper. To put it plainly, the building materialsthat make up this house are no more sacred than any other buildingmaterials.These prayers take place throughout the day and night, and are aconstant reminder of a person’s duty and surrender to God. Theprayers are a direct link between the worshipper and God. It is achance to turn to God in worship, to give thanks, to ask for forgiveness,and to ask for His guidance and mercy.A Muslim may voluntarily perform prayers more often. Prayers,in the general sense of supplication, can be offered practically atany time or place.Paying the Yearly Alms (Zakah)It is a religious duty for every Muslim who is prosperous enoughto accumulate and retain a sufficient amount of savings to give aportion of his or her wealth to the needy each year. These almsare called Zakah in Arabic, which literally means ‘purification.’ Allthings belong to God, The Most Merciful, and wealth is held intrust by human beings. Paying these alms is a way for people whoare financially able to purify the ethically gained wealth that Godhas bestowed upon them. In addition, it is a means to directlydistribute wealth throughout society and help the poor and needy.Zakah (alms) also purifies the soul of the giver, reduces greed,and strengthens compassion and generosity among humanity.The basic rate of these alms is two and a half percent of thewealth that has been held in savings for an entire year. These almsare levied on savings, not income.25