Islam Fundamentals
The central belief of Islam is that there is only one God, and no other. Islam’s foundation seems to rest on peace, unity, social organization and order, helping those who suffer, and not partaking in, or advocating, violence.
Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last of the prophets and that he heard and wrote the word of God in the Qur’an. They believe in this unedited, authentic compilation of revelations heard by Muhammad. In addition, they believe in the Sunnah, or live/teachings of Muhammad captured in the Hadith. However, they do not worship him nor any other prophet as it is considered blasphemous.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars in which Muslims live by are:
1 Shahadah “There is no god but One God, and Muhammed is his messenger.” This is a belief that it is a sin to worship other idols, people, and even nature. God should be the only being worshipped as Divine.
2 Daily Prayers. Muslims pray 5 times per day, partaking in ablution with water, facing Mecca, and reciting a series of prayers.
3 Zakat. Muslims believe in giving to the suffering. For zakat they must tithe two and a half percent of their accumulated wealth yearly to suffering Muslims.
4 Fasting. Muslims believe fasting is cleansing of the body, mind and soul, producing a cleaner, lighter body to transcend to God. Although the only month during Ramadan is required they fast, it is recommended they do it often to remind them of how others suffer without. They will go without food, drink, intercourse, and more between sunrise and sunset, during an average of 30 day period.
5 Hajj. Finally Muslims believe they are commanded to take a pilgrimage to Mecca, where Abraham and Ishmael built the Ka’bah, to worship God
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