A and Q

Brief answers to your questions

1. Shaykh - Noble, Respected Man

Imaam- Leader of a Muslim community

Maulanah - Protecter or Gaurdian

2. The 5 Pillars of Islam

Shahadah- Testomony

testifying the Creed of Islam- Everyday ( There is no God but Allah and Mugammad is His messenger)

Salaat - Obligatory five daily prayers to be performed by Muslims to connect with their Creator

Siyam- Fasting the lunar month of Ramadhan ( once a year)

Zakaat - Paying the alms to those in need (once a year)

Hajj - Once a lifetime , Pilgrimage to Allah`s House duty on those who have the physical and financial ability

3. The six elements of the Islamic Creed- The belief in One God requirs the belief in His Angels, His Books,His Messengers as well as the belief in the Day of Judgement and the belief in God`s Divine pre-ordainment.

4. The Umrah is the lesser Hajj ( pilgrimage) - While the Hajj is requiered to be performed once a life time, The Umrah can be performed anytime during the year.

5.Zakaatul Fitr` - is the staple food or the equivalent in cashwhich should be given to the poorand needy during the month of Ramadhanand before the Eid Prayer.

6. Fidiyah-is a Ransom paid to the poor for each day Muslims who are not able to fast, due to illness, old -age. It can be given in the form of staple food eg. rice,wheat,barley or dates.

7. The night of Mi`raaj - This event happened on the 27th night of Rajab( the 7th month of the lunar calender).It is the miraculous night journey the Prophet Mugammad undertook with the Power of Allah from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Masjidul Aq`saa ( the furthest mosque) in Jerusalem.

The Mi`raaj is the ascencion of the Prophet Mugammad( pbuh)from the Masjidul Aq`saa ( the furthest mosque) in Jerusalem to the highest heavens.- reference ( Quran - chapter The Star )

8.The night of Nis`fi Shabaan - The night of the half of the month of Shabaan( the 8th month of the lunar calendar) also called Laylatyl - Baraa`ah( the night exemption, immunity, security). also called the night of Mercy or the night of Blessings.

Historically the Prophet (pbuh) was commanded by God the change the Qibla ( direction) from The Mosque in Jerusalem to the Mosque in Mecca the Ka`baa ( the house that Abraham built) in Mecca. The direction that Muslims follow today.