‘The word “Islam” literally means surrender and it forms the core of the religious idea – that the faithful, or the believer, accepts surrender to the will of God. Another cognate of the word “Islam” is the Arabic word for peace, “salam”. It is a religion of love and peace. The mosque is the centre of a devout Muslim’s religious life. In a few countries, most mosques are managed by the local communities while some are run by state authorities.

‘The religion is based on five principles or pillars of religio-social organization. There are five steps, comprising both words and deeds, to take to the faith. These have to be followed with complete sincerity and belief.

‘The first step is the profession of faith. The profession of faith must be recited at least once in one’s lifetime, correctly, audibly, with an understanding and acceptance of its essence. The second pillar, salat, is the observance of prayers five times a day. There are five obligatory daily prayers, each preceded by ablutions, to be offered at particular times, and therefore each has a specific name. Special congregational prayers are offered on Friday. The Friday prayer service consists of a sermon. Friday sermons usually are on socio-political and moral questions.

‘The third step is the paying of zakat. A portion of a Muslim’s earnings must be donated annually towards fulfilling the needs of the less fortunate and the destitute, among other welfare measures.

‘The fourth pillar, sawm, is fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It begins at daybreak and ends at sunset and, during the day, eating, drinking and smoking are forbidden. The month of Ramadan is a time for introspection, communal prayers in the mosque, reading the scripture and practising self-restraint.

‘The fifth step is undertaking hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which must be undertaken at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime, provided one can afford it and has enough provisions to leave for his family in his absence. This pilgrimage brings divine blessings.

‘“As-salaam-alaikum” is a common Arabic greeting, meaning “peace be unto you”, among Muslims whenever and wherever they meet and interact. The standard response is “wa-alaikum-salaam”, which means “and unto you be peace”. It is said that you will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. It is said that the love will come if you greet each other with “salaam”. So, at the end of his prayers, a faithful turns his head to the right and then to the left, greeting fellow believers with “as-salaam-alaikum wa rahmatullah”, or “may the peace and mercy of the Almighty be with you”.’ Hussein paused, sat down and sipped water from a glass.

‘What an awesome lesson, Hussein sir. Despite being concise and to the point, you taught us a whole lot. Thanks,’ Atharv said.