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While the population of the Northern part of Cyprus is mostly comprised of Turkish Cypriots there is also a small Turkish Cypriot community that live in the Southern part of the island. As of last count there were about 500 Turkish Cypriots living in South Cyprus.
Among all Turkish Cypriots the predominant religion is Islam and they are considered as Muslims.
While Turkish Cypriots as a whole are Muslims, they are not considered as the most orthodox of Muslims. Few if any fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and fewer than that observe daily player. Also while Muslims are forbidden from drinking alcoholic beverages this is not the case with Turkish Cypriots.
It has often been said that the Turkish Cypriots secular nature was derived from British rule and the reforms passed by Atatürk in Turkey. Both have helped mould the community into a secular society that is liberal in comparison to what the world thinks of when they think of Muslims. But what is a Muslim and what constitutes being a Muslim?
To put it simply a Muslim is anyone who follows the teachings of Islam.
Islam comes to us from the Arabic word which translates to "Peace" and "Submission". Peace which is to be found in your lives by totally submitting oneself in heart, soul, and deed to the Almighty God (Allah). This same Arabic word also gives us the everyday Muslim greeting of "Salaam alaykum" which translates to, "Peace be with you". Besides the aforementioned there are also 5 principals that govern Islam. In Islam these 5 principals are basis for the religion and are known as the five pillars of Islam.
These are the 5 pillars of Islam:
- There is none worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah not a God or the son of God.
- One must observe Prayer, which is also known as the Salat. These prayers are conducted five times a day. It is seen as a break from people’s daily lives to remember Allah.
- One must pay Zakat, which is also known as Alms giving.
- One must make the Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (House of God which is located in Mecca Saudi Arabia), which is also known as the Hajj. This journey is only expected of someone who is both able and capable of doing it. That is to say of good health and the means to pay for the trip.
- One must fast from sunup to sundown during the holy month of Ramadan.
If all of the above are followed then one is considered a follower of Islam and subsequently a Muslim.
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