islam beliefs

islam beliefs

Islam Beliefs
Islam religion consists of five beliefs, also known as the five pillars, which make up their main belief system. The first pillar is known as Shahadah, meaning there is no other God except Allah. This is a faith in the unity of God and the understanding that none other than Allah is worthy of worship. Islam, translated, means “to surrender”. Associating anything with God will deny the followers the ability to allow belief in their hearts. The second pillar of faith is Salah. This belief requires followers to pray five times a day at specific times. These times are dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night. The prayers are to be performed facing Kabaa, the most sacred site in Mecca. The prayers are meant to focus the followers mind on Allah and are considered their personal communication with Allah. The third pillar is Zakat which is the giving by Muslims based on their wealth. All who are able are obliged to do so. Zakat is the giving of 2.5% of their income for the benefit of the poor. There are two different types of Zakat. The first is a fixed amount based on the cost of food during the ninth month known as Ramadan. The second is based on money earned. There are four principles to be followed when giving Zakat. The giver must declare their intent to God, it must be paid on the day it is due, payment must be in kind, and it must go to the community in which it was taken. The fourth pillar is fasting during Ramadar. Ritual fasting is the abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse during this month. Fasting shows their dependence to Allah and atones them of their sins. Those who are ill, traveling or have medical conditions are not required to fast during this time. The fifth pillar of belief is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Every Muslim is obliged to make the trip once in their life if they can afford it. Once they are close to Mecca, they must dress in two white sheets. The rituals include walking seven times around the...