proper covering of the body, proper intention, and facing Mecca, or qibla (1). The emphasis on purity is directly associated with prayer, as one must not be impure in any way when one prays. The ritual impurity associated with everyday living is known as najasa or hadath. Najasa is external impurity including but not limited to, urine, blood, pus, feces of animals and humans. Hadath is impurity of the soul from performing certain activities. Hadath is caused by activities ranging from sleeping to seminal emission. The degree of hadath varies depending on the activity. Daily impurities result in a need for cleansing or ablutions. Ablution can be performed outside of mosques, usually the mosque will maintain a small fountain in which people can wash their hands to their elbows, feet to their ankles as well as heads and faces (1). The use of ablution as a form of purification as well as the consistent call to purify oneself follows the orthopraxy within Islam.The Koran states, “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance…whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month (2:185).” The fasting during the month of Ramadan is an expression of joy; the fasting person recalls their dependence on Allah for sustenance and life. The fast lasts for thirty days, each day from sunrise to sunset. Again, the emphasis is placed on the practice of refraining from food, which challenges the body (1). The lives of Muslims change for a month as they devote themselves to concentration on the past year, and the graciousness of God. Increasing the amount of time spent focusing on religion allows members of the religion to renew their faith and their relationships with others. The journey to Mecca known as the hajj encompasses the practicing element of Islam. The holy pilgrimage to Mecca is required for all Muslims only if they have the means to afford s...
