Behavior and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions about Islam

Islam in Practice

Why do all Muslims say prayers in Arabic?
Muslims are fortunate to have an accurate record of how Muhammad said his prayers, which were in his native language Arabic. The Qur'an was also revealed to Muhammad in the language he understood, Arabic. A major portion of the required daily prayers is recitation from the Qur'an. Muslims strive to emulate the behavior of Muhammad, since Muslims believe he is offered to Man as an example to follow (as were the other Prophets). Muslims are very careful not to alter in any way that which was given to them 1400 years ago.

Therefore, since it is impossible to translate from one language to another perfectly, and since the most recent example used Arabic, Muslims continue to say the required prayers in Arabic.

For all other prayers other than the required prayers, such as supplication (asking for forgiveness, guidance, or a new car), prayers can be said in any language in any way.

How does someone become a Muslim?
The quick and simple answer is that one who declares "there is no god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is His servant and messenger" can be considered a Muslim. Simply making this proclamation without a change in actions or deeds, though, might make one a Muslim in theory, but not in practice.

How does someone become an Islamic priest?
Unlike some other religions, Islam does not have an ordained clergy. The Imam, or leader, can be any man from the group with sufficient knowledge. In one sense, the Imam is simply the leader of a group prayer, whether at the Mosque, at work, or at home. In a more organizational context, larger established Mosques will appoint or hire a full-time Imam who will accept the responsibility of leading the daily prayers at the Mosque. Such a full-time Imam will usually have received higher education in Islam, though it is not a requirement.

Facts and Figures

Is Islam an Arab thing? Are there many non-Arab Muslims?
Actually, only about 18% (1 in 5) of all Muslims are Arab; the rest are of a very broad array of races and ethnicities, and live throughout the world. The countries with the highest Muslim percentage of the population include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Guinea, Maldives, Pakistan, and Tunisia. The countries with the most Muslims include Indonesia (196 million), China (133 million), India (133 million), Pakistan (125 million), and Bangladesh (104 million). There are more Muslims in Russia (26 million) than in Saudi Arabia (19 million). China has more Muslims (133 million) than Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, and Yemen combined!

Food and Drink

Are there any dietary restrictions for Muslims?
Briefly, Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork or its derived products (such as some kinds of gelatin); flesh of meat-eating land animals (alligator, for example); and alcoholic beverages. Muslims do not have the Jewish prohibitions against shellfish or mixing of meat and dairy.

A Muslim friend is coming to dinner; what should I consider?
See the above paragraph on dietary restrictions, and understand that many products may contain substances derived from pork (some types of gelatin, for example).

One important factor is that many Muslims believe it is prohibited to eat the meat of any animal that was not expressly slaughtered in the name of God (other Muslims take the view that if it was not slaughtered in the name of anything other than God, or if it is the meat slaughtered by a Christian or Jew, then it is allowed). You should ask your visitors beforehand. If necessary, you could serve seafood (shrimp, fish) or some non-meat alternative, or visit a meat shop that sells halal ("lawful") or zabiha ("islamicly slaughtered") meat.