Hum 130 5 Pillars of Islam

Five Pillars of Islam

Wade Ferry

HUM/130

13NOV13

Dr. Dietz

Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is rooted in monotheism. Muslims believe in one god. Mohammad was merely a messenger of God. As explained in the Qur’an, the prophet Mohammad is the final prophet sent by God to clarify the message of God that had been added to and distorted by the people. The Qur’an sent as a final corrective to the monotheistic tradition. The New Testament said that Jesus had prophesied that a Paraclete would assist humanity after him in John 14:16 and 14:26. Islam instills that there will be Judgment and a person will be held accountable for their action in this life, in their afterlife. Worship based on the five pillars can help guide a person to a successful afterlife.

Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. This pillar says that there is only one God. The Qur’an employs it’s follows to spread the word of Islam but not through coercion. The spread of Islam is to provide others with all the information they need to make an intelligent choice in their religious choices. Salaat is the second pillar of Islam. It’s the guidance of continual prayer. Muslims are required to face Mecca and pray five times a day. These prayers are sought to strengthen ones belief in God. The prayers comfort the soul while suppressing evil and awakening higher morality and higher aspirations. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam which refers to charity. Salaat cannot be accepted unless one shares with others. There is a systematic belief that sharing at least 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth will satisfy Zakat. Zakaat assist in decreasing inequalities in wealth to disrupt greed. We are everyone’s brother and we must help each other is a summary of this belief. Fasting is the forth pillar of Islam. Fasting takes place during Ramadan a religious holiday commemorating the first revelations of the Qur’an to Muhammad. During this holiday of fasting, going without food during the day, Muslims become...