Worship in Islam

In which direction should Muslims face to pray?

• Jerusalem

• Makkah

• East

• It doesn't matter

Answer explanation

Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam because it is where the Ka'ba is. The Ka'ba is a small, cubical building in the courtyard of the Great Mosque at Makkah. It contains a sacred black stone which traditionally marks the centre of the whole world, with the gate of heaven above it.

Islamic Art uses ... (select all that are correct)

• images of Muhammad (pbuh)

• geometrical shapes

• calligraphy

• images of Allah (God)

Answer explanation

Islamic Art uses geometric patterns and calligraphy (ornate writing). No images of people or God are ever used because it is thought it can be distracting and lead to idolatory (worshipping someone other than Allah)

Islamic Art uses different colours to represent different things. You will often see the colour green used. What does this colour represent?

• It represents nature which Allah created

• It represents the idea that everyone is welcome in Islam

• It represents the colour of the cloth covering the Ka'ba

• It represents Muhammad's favourite colour and reminds people of paradise where this colour will be worn.

Islamic Art uses different colours to represent different things. You will often see the blue used. What does this colour represent?

• It represents the sky

• It represent life giving water

• It was Muhammad's favourite colour

• 'Allah' means 'blue' in Arabic

Which of these things might you find on a Muslim Prayer Mat?

Select all that are correct.

• an image of Muhammad (pbuh)

• a compass

• an image of the Ka'ba

• geometric patterns

What is the name of the ritual Muslims perform before prayer?

• mudu

• wudu

• ludu

• pudu

Answer explanation

Linguistically speaking, 'wudu’ comes from an Arabic word that that means ‘good looking, cleanliness and brightness’. In Islam it means ‘the use of water in respect of four organs, the face, arms, head and feet' - a ritual washing to help people prepare for prayer.

How many 'pillars' (key requirements) of Islam are there?

• 7

• 10

• 3

• 5

The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. What is it?

• the requirement to give 2.5% of your disposable income to charity

• the requirement that Muslims should say set prayers 5 times a day

• a key declaration of faith that there is no God except Allah and Muhammad is his messenger

• the requirement to go on pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime if it can be afforded

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a mosque

• a mihrab (a niche in a wall indicating the direction of Makkah).

• a minaret (from where the call to prayer is made)

• a palanquin (on which the Qu'ran is displayed)

• a prayer hall where everyone can sit on the floor

Answer explanation

A palanquin is the platform on which the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikh religion) is displayed in the prayer hall of a gurdwara.

What is the symbol for the religion of Islam?

• The Islamic Star

• The Crescent Moon and Star

• The Ka'ba

• Green and white striped flag

Answer explanation

Did you know that the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam?