Q: Do some Muslims choose not to participate? Tell me more about Ramadan please. I am not planning on a conversion, but also, can one convert to Islam? If so, is there a process? Tell me more, I am curious! Also, I am curious about women who are Muslim but do not wear hijab? That's not true, I know that pregnant women, the ill, children, and the elderly Muslims do not have to fast because they must take very good care of their Health, it doesn't mean they are not Muslim. I don't want harshness or mean answers, I want insightful and honest answers, Please be nice! What re the 5 pillars of Islam? I don't know much about Islam but I have a Muslim friend and I am interested in learning more about her religion and customs, and I would like to respect her and her family who have invited me to their home, and avoid anything disrespectful.
A: Peace be upon you dear sister, I really apriciate your egerness to learn about Islam. Ramadan is a month that Allah (God) has priscribed for us to Fast, so that we can learn self-resistance and thus become pious. Allah says in Al-Quran, O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious - see V.2:2). Fasting in Islam, doesn't only mean that we have to stop eating and drinking in the daylight of Ramadan, but the Fasting muslims also have to refrain from intercource (between spous). Because if a person does 1 good deed in Ramadan, he/she gets 10 time more reward then usual. Allah also says in Quran that I will give uncounnted reward for fasting, because fasting is for me (man gives up his food and desires for my sake). That's the reason why muslims tries their best to do more good deeds in Ramadan. such as reading a lot of Quran and Performing As-Salaat. Sister, when a person has learnt and believed in the basics of Islam, such as 5 pillars of Islam. Which are 1) Faith 2) As-Salaat, 3) Fasting in the Month of Ramadan, 4) Zakkat---Obligatory Charity 5) Haj---Pligmirage to Kabba in Mecca. Pillars of Faith are 1) Tstifying that there is no god but Allah (God) 2) Believe in the Messengers of Allah [Allah has sent many messengers and Prophets before but Prophet Muhammad( Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the last and Final Messenger sent with the message to the whole of mankind], 3) Believe in Angles (Another Creation of Allah, created from the Light, we cannot see them but we believe in them) 4) Belief in Divinely-revealed Books (Allah has sent down the Tawraat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Zaboor (Psalms), and the Scriptures of Ibraaheem and Moosa. for details please see this link http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/9519 5)Belief in the Jinn, witchcraft and the evil eye pls see for details http://www.islam-qa.com/en/cat/228 6) Belief in the Divine Will and Decree for details please see http://www.islam-qa.com/en/cat/227 7) Belief in the Last Day and the Signs of the Hour pls see this link http://www.islam-qa.com/en/cat/224 Please note that in order for a person to become a muslim, it is not neccessary for him/her to act all these pillars. Must he must declare the testimny of " ash-hadu an laa ilaahah illallaah (I bear witness and attest that there is no god worthy of worship but the One God Allaah) ash-hadu anna muhammad-ar-rasool ullaah (I bear witness and attest that there is no god worthy of worship but the One God Allaah) ash-hadu anna muhammad-ar-rasool ullaah (I bear witness and attest that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah. After pronouncing them, you should promptly hasten to take a shower to purify yourself and prepare to start performing your regular prayers which will be an obligation as soon as you have declared your belief. As for the rest you MUST lean and apply into your life, whatever you have learnt. sister this is a very usefull website to learn everything about Islam, from A-Z. www.islam-qa.com/en ********************* Please note that you can also learn about Islam from your friend's family, even if you are visiting them for the first time. They'll love to answer all your questions. I am saying for sure because Islam is a universal religon and it is same for every muslim weather reverted or born, in which ever corner of the world they may be. Please e-mail me if you have any question. Your sister in humanity