There are a number of symbols that represent Muslims. For instance, the Ka`bah - i.e. the small building toward which the Muslim direct themselves while offering their prayers - is a symbol to express the unity, and the monotheistic origin of the Muslim faith. The words of the Muslim greetings 'Assalaam Alaikum' - i.e. 'peace be on you all' - are a symbol to express that a true Muslim can only be a well wisher toward all his brethren. Besides these all forms of Muslim worship - including ablution, prayers, timings of the obligatory prayers, Hajj (pilgrimage), fasting etc. - are actually symbolic expressions of various realities and aspects that the Muslims hold true.

26^th February 2000