Alhamdu-lillah, Islam has grown in numbers and significance enough that in 2001, for the first time in the history of Chicago, an Islamic display was hosted at the Daley Center Plaza, along with the Christian and Jewish displays.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago secured permission from the City, and planned, constructed, and erected the display depicted to the right/left.
The 26 foot tall display symbolizes the Lunar Crescent (Hilal), which determines the onset of Islamic months and events such as the annual Muslim celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The display also includes five pillars, representing the five fundamental precepts ("pillars") of Islam: Shahaadah, Salaat, Zakaat, Sawm, and Hajj. A plaque was located in front of the display, welcoming visitors on behalf of Chicago Muslims and defining the five pillars.
Hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans viewed the display. It will be displayed again next year during Ramadan, Insha'Allah.
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WELCOME TO CHICAGO'S ISLAMIC DISPLAY AS SALAAMU ALAIKUM - GREETINGS OF PEACE The Council Of Islamic Organizations Of Greater Chicago and over 350,000 Chicago area Muslims welcome you. This display symbolizes the Lunar Crescent, which determines the onset of Islamic months and events such as the annual Muslim celebrations of Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha. The five pillars represent the five fundamental precepts of Islam: Shahaadah: Declaration of Faith in the exclusive Lordship of Allah (God) and in Prophet Muhammad, as Allah's Messenger Salaat: Formal prayers performed five times daily at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night Zakaat: Prescribed charity for the poor and needy - generally two-and-a-half percent of each Muslim's accumulated wealth Sawm: Fasting from dawn to sunset everyday during the lunar month of Ramadan Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Ka'bah -- the house built by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael as a place of worship to One God {Questions: contact Council@CIOGC.org} Grateful Acknowledgments: City of Chicago: Hon. Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Commission on Human Relations - Advisory Councils on Arab & Asian Affairs. |
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Text on plaque next to display. |
Islamic Display in Downtown Chicago |
© 2002 CIOGC Updated: 14-Mar-2002