Religion
Jordan
is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural
knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its
ethnically and religiously diverse population,
consequently providing for the cultural rights of all
its citizens. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation
is one of the central elements contributing to the
stable and peaceful cultural climate flourishing within
Jordan.
More
than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and
approximately 6% are Christians. The majority of
Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but
there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic
community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian
Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations. Several
small Shi'a and Druze populations can also be found in
Jordan.
Understanding Islam
As Jordan is an Islamic state, one may explore the
principles of Islam through direct interaction with the
people of this great monotheistic religion. As the
capstone of a long tradition beginning with Judaism and
Christianity, Muslims believe that Islam completes the
revelation of God's message to humankind. Islam – which
in Arabic means "submission" – is an assertion of the
unity, completeness, and sovereignty of God. Muslims
believe that God, or Allah, as He is known in Arabic,
revealed his final message to humankind through the
Prophet Muhammad, Praise Be Unto Him (PBUH), and the
Glorious Qur'an, which is the divine immutable word of
God. Islam focuses heavily on the equality of all humans
before the one true God, and therefore it is in many
ways a return to the original doctrine of the pure
monotheism that characterized the early Judeo-Christian
tradition.
Islamic tradition has crystallized five fundamental
observances, or "pillars," that are as important as
faith in defining Islamic identity and strengthening the
common bond that ties all Muslims together. They are
Confession of Faith, Daily Prayer (five times per day
facing the holy city of Mecca), Fasting during the
Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Almsgiving, and
Pilgrimage to Mecca.