Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Based on Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 0.7 percent of the U.S. population practices Islam, representing more than 1.8 million people. of those:
There are several Islamic terms with which Scout officials should be familiar:
Islam: The Arabic word ISLAM means voluntary acceptance of the will of Allah and obedience to His commands.
Muslim: A person who freely and consciously accepts the Islamic way of life, and practices it is called a Muslim.
The Qur’an: The sacred book of Islam. Muslims usually learn to read it in Arabic and many entirely memorize it by heart. They are expected to understand its meaning and practice its teachings. Many Muslim Scouts study with religious teachers at obligatory training sessions at the mosque until about age 12.
Basic Beliefs:The five fundamental Islamic beliefs are:
Iman: One of the three dimensions of the Islamic religion which refers to the strength of conviction, or faith, of a Muslim.
There are five pillars of Islam (or foundations of faith):
Additional pillars of the faith are giving to the needy, openly declaring faith in Allah and Muhammad as His last messenger, and making a pilgrimage at least once during one’s lifetime to the first House of God in Mecca.
Muslims are permitted only halal foods (i.e., foods that have been prepared according to Muslim law). Some Muslim youth will eat beef, lamb, and chicken only if they have been slaughtered in the Islamic manner (Zabiha).
Pork is forbidden to Muslims, but fish is acceptable.
Pork is forbidden to Muslims, but fish is acceptable.
In 1982, the National Islamic Committee on Scouting (NICS) was formed by the Islamic Council on Scouting of North America. The committee is comprised of:
Mission of NICS: Promote Scouting among Muslim youth; help Muslim institutions and local council Islamic committees provide Scouting opportunities for Muslim youth; and promote Islamic values in Scouting through program helps and the religious emblems program.
Responsibilities of NICS include: