Religion in Jordan

Religion in Jordan

Jordan is predominantly a muslim country. Islam is an official religion in Jordan. Muslims make up 92% of population. Christians form in Jordan approximately 6% of the population.

The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations. Several small Shi'a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan.

Islam

Islam is a major world religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world population). It is considered one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths, along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 20% of Muslims are in fact Arab. Muslims believe that Islam completes the revelation of God's message to humankind. Islam means submission in Arabic. A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim. Muslim means - one who surrenders to God. Muslims believe that God, or Allah, as He is known in Arabic, revealed his final message to humankind through the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur'an which is the holy book of Islam.

Five pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the most basic tenets of the Islam. They are:
1. Faith in the oneness of Allah and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad. The expression of the Faith is "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah".
2. Keeping of the five scheduled daily prayers (salah).
3. Almsgiving (zakat).
4. Fasting (sawm).
5. Pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca for those who are able.

The Quran -- the Book of Allah

According to Muslims, the Quran was revealed by Allah the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. He dictated it to his followers who memorized the fragments of the Quran and later after Muhammad's death wrote down. The Quran consists from 114 chapters called Suras.

The Sunnah -- the "Way" of the Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad is considered the "ideal man". He is the model for all Muslims in how they should conduct themselves. It is through Muhammad's personal teachings and actions how Muslims discern what is a good and holy life. Details about the Prophet - how he lived, what he did, his personal habits - are very importat knowledge for any faithful Muslim.

Ramaddan

is the main feast for Muslims. It lasts one month. Between sunrise and sunset all Muslims are obliged to fasten from food and drinks.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims should focus on reading the Quaran and self-reformation throug prayer, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. After sunset it is celebrated Iftar which it the evening meal that breaks the fasting during Ramadaan.