Literally means submission to God’s will. Second when it comes to number of devotees net to Christianity, a religion of love and discipline, whose members are worshipping Allah. Having several Islamic sites that are UNESCO registered because of its rich culture, heritage, and magnificent beliefs. Muslim congregations are having their annual pilgrimage in Mecca, held in the Hajj that has the record of having the world’s largest human migration. Middle East has the largest number of Muslims and the rest of the other continents are also having numbers of contribution.
Sunni and Shi’a are the largest branches of Islam community manifesting slight difference when it comes to some practices and customs but they all meet in Qur’an as their central religious text, just like the Bible for Christians. The death of the prophet Muhammad brought the division of Islamic denominations through having different acting leaders and disciples like Sunni and Shi’a, there were series of wars happened between these two that often is the cause of political conflicts.
Cities in the Middle East which are having large numbers of Islamic communities are Istanbul, Jerusalem, Kairouan, Karbala, Konya, Medina, Samarra, Qom, Najaf, and Mecca, where tourists are likely to visit the Mosques even they are not practicing the religion but they must be aware of every differences in customs that sometimes are really conflicting in each and every city. Some customs may be practiced in one city but not in the other. Like for example, comparing Islamic beliefs in Iraq and Syria. Irac, having the predominant Shi’a followers but also has a few for Sunni not lesser that 20 percent in total of minority, accusing each other with oppression that leads to a major political and cultural conflict and in Syria, that has a majority population of Sunni followers and a small contribution of Alawi followers
The reason why there are discriminations happening in some places, not allowing a certain Muslim denomination in other’s mosques. Visiting a mosque must show a deep respect for it is the Holiest place for the Muslims, wear conservative kind of dress that covers most parts of your body like your hair, legs, arms and torso for women and decent clothes for men, always put in mind that you are also expected to leave your shoes outside upon entering. Better be knowledgeable enough when visiting such place for they are practicing a very conservative customs that you might be unaware of and would cause you into trouble. Aside from the Arabic language, the holy Qur’an is being spoken and written into many dialects.
Insh’ allah, the very word you will always hear from the Muslims, God willing as it is said. A polite phrase for an expression of greeting and appreciation. Surely, Islam is a very interesting religion, having much of wonderful sites and majestic Mosques, you will probably appreciate the fine art it features, its architecture, music, crafts, carpets, and so many art work that surely is a pride of all Muslims. Woven fabrics with combination of geometrical figures like their prayer rugs are love to have stuff. The Zamzam, the water that came right exactly from Mecca and the Haddiths’ collections that states the actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Last thing to be eaten remember, Islam is forbidding pork and pig product unless certified by Halal, an Islamic standard of food processing. Also during Ramadan where Muslims are required to do the fasting, by not allowing them to eat during day time. Lots of things must be considered in learning the Islamic customs and behaviors. Learn those, and explore the beautiful Islam world.