5 Pillars

Five Pillars of Islam Checkpoint

HUM/130

February 17, 2012

Dr. Donald Howard

Five Pillars of Islam Checkpoint

The goal for this checkpoint is to discuss the central beliefs of Islam and how they are reflected in the Five Pillars. I will also point out pillars, one that I feel would be relatively easy to fulfill and also the pillar that I feel would be the most challenging.

According to our text (Fisher, 2005) there are a total of 5 central beliefs in Islam.

1. The faith in the absolute unity of God. Muslims believe that there is only 1 God who has no son and no-one but him should be worshipped, every other deity ever mentioned is to be considered false. To the Muslims, God is called Allah, and this name is never to be used to describe anything or anyone else other than God. In the Quran, the word Allah is used over 2700 times in reference to God.

2. Beliefs in Angels. Muslims believe that Angels exist and should be considered an honored creature. They also believe that Angels only worship God and will only obey him and his commands. The Angel that is most mentioned in the Quran is Gabriel who is the one to have brought down the Quran from Heaven.

3. Beliefs that God revealed his books. Muslims believe that God did reveal his books to his people as a guideline for his people on how to follow him. The Quran states “ Indeed, we have sent down the Quran and surely we will guard it” (Quran 15:9)

4. Beliefs in prophets and messengers. Muslims also believe there have been many prophets and messengers beginning with Adam to teach and guide them but they also believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and there have been no others since him.

5. Day of Judgment beliefs. Beliefs that the Day of resurrection will be the day all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment. No one will be left out despite the way they chose to live their live for God or themselves.

6. Belief in Al-Qadar. Beliefs that humans do not have free will, meaning that...