Islam in Latin America

Islam in Latin America

Although Islam is probably the least understood religion, Islam is the second largest religion in the world with more than one billion followers, which is one-fifth of the world’s population today. Islam was first stated publicly in the seventh century and now has advanced into a variety of different forms ( Major Religions). The central theme of this paper revolves around the religion of Islam and how it is practice in two Latin American countries, Peru and Panama.

In all countries throughout the world the sources of Islamic traditions are found in the Qur’an. Similar to the Bible the Qur’an has different chapters to refer to in the holy book; the chapters in the Qur’an are called Surah’s. In the Muslim religion there are 114 Surah’s in the Qur’an that the followers of Islam hold true to their beliefs. According to Charles Shields, a Muslim and Islam follower, the most important Surah of the Qur’an is Al-Fatihah. “ In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful. All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the lord of the mankind, Jinn and all that exist. The most gracious the most merciful. The only owner and the only ruling judge on the day of resurrection. You alone we worship, and you alone we ask for help for everything. Guide us to the straight way. The way of those on whom you have bestowed your grace, not the way of those who earn your angry (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as Christians)” (Al-Fatihah, ayat 1-7). In all countries that practice Islam it is essential that when a Muslim makes prayer (Salat) they have to perform Surah Al-Fatihah, if they do not perform that Surah than their prayer (Salat) is invalid to Allah. This belief is not an opinio...

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...ing an exceptional paper and I am proud of my finish product. Upon completing this assignment, I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about informing my readers of a topic that I knew very little about. After retrieving credible information, the apprehensive that I first experience has completely transformed into utter fulfillment.

Works Cited

“The History of Islam in Peru.” Online posting. 27 Mar. 2003.

< http://www.uga.edu/islam/peru.html>.

“Major Religions.” Online posting. 27 Mar. 2003.

< http://www.angelfire.com/mn/nn/MajorReligions.html>.

Muhammad, AbdulKhabeer. “A Brief History of the Muslims in Panama.”

The Message Canada Islamic magazine Aug 1997. 25 Mar. 2003

< http://www.islamicpopulation.com/articles/Panama-muslims.html>.

Qur’an. Al-Fatihah ayac 1-7.

Shields, Charles. Telephone interview. 27 Mar. 2003