About Our Mosque

The Baitul Jabbar Mosque (formerly the Shah Poran Mosque) is a friendly and welcoming Muslim place of worship and Islamic Leaning Centre.

The building was donated by the Sheikh brothers and dedicated to the people of Nottingham.

Brief History of Islam

Islam arose in 6th Century C.E (Common Era) Arabia. The region was a melting pot of religious beliefs. There were pockets of Judaism and Christianity but, for the most part, they were overshadowed by the cults of the tribal gods that indulged in some barbaric practices.

Muhammad, Islam's Prophet, was born in Mecca on the Arabian peninsula in what is now Saudi Arabia, in 570 C.E. Raised in a trading family, at the age of 25 he married an older widow who had employed him as a trading agent.

At the age of 40, during one of his periodic meditative retreats in a nearby cave, he began to experience visions and auditory revelations. The angel Gabriel appeared to him with a book and commanded him to "Read". Initially, he shared the messages with his family and friends. But over time, he began to meet daily with a growing circle of people to share the message of Peace (Islam).

A major part of Muhammad's mission was devoted to ending the vicious cycle of murder and warfare perpetrated by pre-Islamic tribes engaged in bitter blood feuds. As might be expected, Muhammad's message faced opposition forcing him to flee to the neighbouring city of Medina, a town 400 km north of Mecca. This event, the Hijrah (emigration) marks the beginning of the Islamic era and its dating.

Eventually, following a period of intense conflict, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca. Muhammad died in Medina in 632 and left no male heir. Islam is an Arabic word. It means peace, greeting, obedience, loyalty, allegiance and submission to the will of the Creator of the universe. The name of the Creator of the universe is Allah, an Arabic word which means God Almighty. Allah, the one and only God, has 99 names and numerous attributes. He is the Merciful, the Protector, the Mighty, the Forgiver, the Provider, the Loving, the Wise, the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the First, the Last, the Eternal.

Muslims believe that Muhammad was chosen by Allah (God) as the final prophet and messenger to humanity to deliver his message of Peace. They do not worship Muhammad, only Allah. Muhammad was both a Prophet and a statesman.

This message was recorded in the Qur'an, the Islamic Scripture. It is considered the exact words of Allah revealed to Muhammad through Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The language of the Qur'an is Arabic. It contains 114 Suras or chapters. It is read and recited according to a set of rules and regulations. In order to read the Qur'an, a Muslim must be clean and in a state of cleanliness. In addition, the sayings and practical guidance offered by Muhammad were compiled and collected shortly after he died. Known as Hadiths, together with the Qur'an, they provide Muslims with a comprehensive and practical guide to daily living.

The Qur'an teaches that people are called to live in peace and submission to Allah and within one's self, with other people, the environment and the cosmos. Therefore, the goal of life is to worship Allah, obey His commandments by striving to go to Heaven and escape Hell in the life hereafter.

Muslims trace their beginnings back to the Prophet Adam, who is also recognized by both Jews and Christians. Muslims recognize Abraham to be the founder of the three monolithic faiths - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. They also believe Abraham established a house of worship in Mecca. This house, the Ka'bah, is believed by Muslims to be the first one devoted to the worship of one God.

It is believed that Allah sent different messengers to humanity throughout history, all with similar teachings. But over time, people misunderstood and misinterpreted them. Nevertheless, Muslims believe in the prophets commonly revered in Judaism and Christianity, including Noah, Issac, Jacob, and David. They also regard Jesus as a prophet but, unlike Christians, do not consider him divine.

Muslims also respect the original Hebrew and Christian scriptures. The followers of Islam, Judaism and Christianity are sometimes referred to as "the People of the Book". Muslims do not believe in religious coercion. People must be allowed to follow their own beliefs.

Muslims also believe in angels and a Day of Judgement. Islam teaches that people must work out their salvation through the guidance of Allah. Muslims must combine their beliefs with practice in their daily lives.

Islam provides guidance on how to conduct oneself in private and public affairs. It teaches one how to be an effective member of one’s family and community and larger society. To live by Islam is to live in harmony with all of creations.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The most important Muslim practices are the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam.

The Five Pillars consist of:

• Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith
• Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day
• Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy
• Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan
• Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Why are they important?

Carrying out these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim's life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion. No matter how sincerely a person may believe, Islam regards it as pointless to live life without putting that faith into action and practice. Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslim is putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their secular lives.

Prayer Timetable

Prayer times for the next 30 days:

The Festivals of Islam

1) THE BIRTH OF THE PROPHET

The twelfth of Rabi I is spent in celebration of Muhammad's birth in CE 570 and his life.

2) NEW YEAR : DAY OF HIJRA

The Islamic year starts on the day which celebrates the Prophet's departure from Mecca to Medina in CE 622.

3) 'ID AL-ADHA : THE FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE

A four-day festival which is held world-wide, coinciding with the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Following the tradition of Abraham, sacrifices of sheep or lamb are made and the meat is given to the poor.

4) YOM ARAFA : THE DAY OF ARAFA

All pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat while all Muslims are encouraged to fast.

       DHU AL-HIJJA : THE MONTH OF PILGRIMAGE

The great pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca should be made during this month.

5) MIRAJUN NABI : ASCENSION OF THE PROPHET

Commemorates the Prophet's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and to the Heavens.

       RAMADAN

For the whole month, Muslims abstain from and drink during the hours of daylight.

6) LAILAT AL-QADR : THE NIGHT OF POWER

The commemoration of the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet.

7) 'ID AL-FITR : END OF THE MONTH OF FASTING

The joyful festival which marks the end of Ramadan. Gifts are giver to the poor and to children.