Like many other religions, the Muslim faith has experienced many changes and branches. Like Christianity, the original faith is still practiced by some, but others have started new branches with their own unique interpretation being Muslim. Despite these differences within the Muslim religion, one set of rules for moral guidance is central to all. These rules are the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars act as a moral compass for Muslims and are universally accepted as they are mentioned specifically in the Qur’an, the sacred Muslim book of God’s words as they were recited to Muhammad (Molloy, 425).
The first of the Five Pillars is the creed. The creed states, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger,” (Molloy, 431). This pillar is the core for the Muslim faith. When the creed is recited and believed, it is believed that that person is now truly a Muslim. This message is also found all over within the Muslim faith. It is recited daily and frequently written within mosques and private homes (Molloy, 431).
The second pillar is prayer. Devote Muslims pray five times a day, at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nighttime (Molloy, 432). The prayer process for Muslims is rich with ritual. Prayers are called together by a muezzin from atop a tower called a minaret. Another ritual involved with prayer includes a purification process with water or sand, where the believer cleanses their hands, arms, face, neck and feet before beginning. Believers always pray facing Mecca, regardless of whether they are praying in a mosque, at home, or somewhere else. However, if they are praying in a mosque, there will be a leader that orchestrates the recitation, as well as instructs followers on various body posi...
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...ms believe there is a constant battle of good and evil on earth, and choosing to lead an equal and compassionate life will lend well to leading a “good life” (Molloy, 431).
Despite the ever-changing Muslim community, the core structure of their religion, specifically the Five Pillars of Islam, promote a morally sound life amongst its people. After completing the readings on Islamic beliefs, it is easy to see and value the emphasis these people put on community and human dignity. Other religions and organizations around the world could certainly benefit from an education on the rituals and values of the Muslim people.
Works Cited
Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Van Voorst, R. (2011). Anthology of World Scriptures (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
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The first pillar in an Islamic faith is the shahada, the profession of faith: There is no god but God,
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The worship of Allah is principal in a Muslim’s mind at all time. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a the faith and obedience of a Muslim. They are frequently called the “Five Pillars of Islam”. The Five Pillars of Islam are the framework and guidelines of the Muslim life. They are the testimony of faith, prayer, supporting the needy, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the once in a lifetime trip to Makkah for those who are able to do so. These Five Pillars are the thing Muslim’s do to please God and to keep themselves well and happy in this lifetime and for the future ones to come. It was Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, who was reported to have said, “Islam is based upon five pillars”.
In this book , Esposito provides a succinct, up-to-date survey of the Islamic experience, an introduction to the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its origins to its contemporary resurgence. He traces the emergence and development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history and politics. He discusses the formation of Islamic belief and practice (law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism), chronicling the struggle of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Equally important is the essential information Esposito provides on the contemporary world of Islam, from Muslim responses to the challenges of colonialism and modernization to the reassertion of Islam in politics and society.
The Islamic religion has a powerful meaning - surrender. Muslims in their religion pray to Prophet Muhammad who is regarded as the greatest of all prophets. Salat is one of the five pillars of Islam. The doctrinal narrative and experiential dimensions. The doctrinal dimension is important because ritual prayer of Salat Is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and is always in the direction of the ka’ba the shrine in mecca. The narrative dimension is also very important. this prayer must always be preceded by following the steps of washing their face hands and feet that can be done with sand when water is not available. Praying five times a day in a prescribed manner called the Salat. This is an extremely important tenet of Islam and has been enjoined with great emphasis both in the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Mohammad. It is the greatest source for purification of the soul. If a man is not reciting Salat must be considered as soulless man. The way the Salat is offered and the words which are recited explain the true nature of religion.