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What are The Five Pillars of Islam?They are the framework of the Muslim life: Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting and Pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able. (1) SHAHADA: FAITH
This declaration of faith is a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. If you would like to talk to someone about embracing Islam or for further information on the declaration of faith please contact the CMCS or ring our voicemail on 0871 242 9696. (2) SALAH: PRAYERSalah is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. The prayers can be led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an well and is chosen by the congregation. There is no hierarchical authority and no priests in Islam. Verses from the Qur’an are recited in the prayer and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplications can be offered in one’s own language. Children begin praying between the ages of 7 to 10 although many begin much earlier. Muslims can pray anywhere clean, safe and that has no statues, idols or images of gods. For places to pray in Cambridge (particularly congregational prayers) see the list below. For further information please contact the CMCS or ring our voicemail on 0871 242 9696. Daily Prayers |
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1. Abu Bakr
Siddiq Mosque Mawson Road (off Mill Road), Cambridge. Telephone: 01223 350134.
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 2. Cambridge
University: Merton Hall Farmhouse, J J Thomson Avenuea building on Cambridge University's West Cambridge site which has been allocated for use as chaplaincy, prayer room and meeting space for all faiths. A number of Muslim staff and students use the prayer room. There are washing facilities, and a kitchen, in the building, which is open daily from 12.00 pm to 6.00pm via a combination lock. The combination number is available by e-mail from Barbara Moss (Chaplain to University Staff) bpm23@cam.ac.uk or Amena Khan altk2@cam.ac.uk.
Non-Students may use Merton Hall Farmhouse. Please contact Barbara or Amena. |
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Student Prayer Room: Sidgwick SiteThe new prayer room is on the Sidgwick site in LBA. Click here for map: Sidgwick Site Map (room 17) |
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Addenbrookes Hospital Chapel is in the Main Concourse area, where it is well-signposted and accessible to people using wheelchairs. It is open 24 hours a day, and is used by patients, relatives/carers and staff as a place of quiet, prayer and reflection. |
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1. Abu Bakr Siddiq Mosque Mawson Road (off Mill Road), 1.20pm Khutbah, 1.45pm Prayers. Click here to view street map. Telephone: 01223 350134. |
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2. Howard Mallet Centre New Street, Cambridge. Brothers and Sisters welcome. Toilet facilities available. Telephone: 0845 6123 353. Click here for more information. |
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3. Addenbrookes Hospital
Hospital Chapel Friday Jumah prayers are held in F&G6 seminar room in the main hospital ward block. F&G6 seminar room has been booked for the year 2004 and 2005. Starts 1.00pm and finished 1.30pm sharp! For patients and Staff. |
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| 4. Cambridge University:
Queens College The prayers are usually held in the Bowett room, Queens' College (Silver Street ) at 1.10pm. Check the Services page at www.isoc.co.uk website regularly to confirm as the location sometimes changes. Click here to view street map. |
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is held by human beings in trust. The word “zakah” means “purification” and “growth.” Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and like the pruning of plants, this encourages new growth.
For further information on Zakah, how to calculate it, or links to charity organisations visit our Charities Links page or contact the CMCS or ring our voicemail on 0871 242 9696.
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, travelling, pregnant or nursing women are not permitted to fast but must make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast from puberty, although many start earlier.
The fast is most beneficial to health however it is also regarded principally as a method of self-purification by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts. Even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as spiritual growth.
In Cambridge there are opportunities to break the fast along with other Muslims and pray the “Taraweeh” prayers in the evenings. For further information please visit the contact us page or ring our voicemail on 0871 242 9696
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is obligatory only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. About 2 million people go to Mecca each year from all over the world, therefore it is a unique opportunity for different nations and races to meet one another. Although Mecca is filled with visitors all year round, the Hajj begins in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims wear special clothing: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
There are numerous organisations that organise Hajj trips, although some recommended Hajj operators (by local Muslims*) can be found below. For further information please contact the CMCS or ring our voicemail on 0871 242 9696.
Searah Studies Society:
Hajj packages from £1,500. Return air ticket, accommodation, visa arrangements, Meet and Assist at airports, all local transport, Hajj Training Course, religious guides speak Arabic, English and Urdu, medical help if needed. See www.searah.co.uk (0208 458 7715)Al-Hidaayah’s Hajj & Umrah Tours:
Umrah packages to suit individual needs, Deluxe Hajj packages: 5 star hotels, family friendly rooms, buffet meals, private transport, direct flights, economy packages also available, friendly and professional service, performance of religious rites according to the Sunnah. See www.al-hidaayah.co.uk (0121 753 1889)Al-Muntada Al-Islami Travel (Hajj & Umrah):
14 years experience, reliable, honest, following authentic teachings, good reputation, over 50% of their bookings are from recommendations www.almuntada.org.uk (0207 471 8280)New Muslims Project: Umrah & Hajj visits.
Assistance and advice, provided. Umrah and Hajj trips are advertised in ‘Meeting Point’ up to a year before the event so that those wishing to take part may make the necessary preparations. A saving scheme is established so that, having made the intention, gradual savings can be made for the trip. A comprehensive weekend induction programme is held before the departure date. See www.newmuslimsproject.net or contact batool@islamic-foundation.org.uk
*External sites and organisations are not necessarily endorsed by the Cambridge Muslims ONLINE.
This page was last updated:
Saturday, 01 January 2005 00:36
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