In 2007, October was officially declared Islamic Heritage Month. The culture of Islam and Muslim Culture spread during the Islamic Empires. Muslim culture has assimilated itself into many different cultures including Persian, Egyptian, Mongol, Indian, Turkic, Indonesian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Mongol, Malay, and many other  cultures. During this time, Islamic Heritage Month is a time to learn about the culture and history of Islam to connect different communities together to learn about Islamic groups. 

Islamic Culture is full of things to learn. Here are some fun facts about Islamic culture.
 

1. The word Muslim is means, “one who willfully submits to God”

2. The Quran is a sacred book which is believed to be the words God through the Angel Gabriel to Muhammad

3. Muhammad is the descendant of Prophet Abraham and was born in Makkah. When Muhammad was 40, he was chosen by God to be the last Prophet and Messenger. God sent Messengers and Prophets to guide humanity. Some of the Messengers and Prophets sent by God were Adam, then Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. 

4. Islam means many different things, but some of the meanings of Islam are peace, submission, and commitment.

5. A Hijab is a headscarf worn by some Muslim women who have reached adulthood. The hijab is a piece of cloth that covers the hair, ears, and neck, only exposing the face. 

6. Muslims pray five times a day daily. They pray from the start of dawn until sunrise, from mid-day to mid-afternoon, midafternoon until sunset, from sunset until it gets dark, and from when it is dark until dawn.

7. Ramadan is an act of worship by fasting. Fasting takes place daily during the month of Ramadan. Many Muslims start fasting during the daylight hours. Fasting is the act of not eating and drinking. 

8. The Quran requires Muslims to eat food that is halal. But what is Halal? Halal meat or food follows a specific slaughtering process, which is the same as Kosher meat. The animal must be healthy, and a prayer is made before cutting the animal. Once it is cut, the blood must drain before it is consumed. Therefore, the meat is halal and becomes halal.