The Koran

Five most interesting ideas

After reading the required text for the Koran, I decided to do some extra research on the Religion of the Islamic people. What I found most interesting of their ideas was their Five Pillars. These five ideas shape and form their religion and daily lifestyles. To me, it shows them as being one of the most committed groups to their beliefs. I’m not stating that I agree with their beliefs with any comments made, but I do respect their beliefs and ways of life. Their Five Pillars are as follows: Shahadah (profession of faith), Salat (ritual prayer five times a day, Zakat (Islamic tax or tithing), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during life). (All translation and descriptions of the five pillars are found of Wikipedia.com)

The first of the pillars is Shahadah. This is basic entirety of their religion and beliefs. It is the Islamic creed to profession found in the Koran, Chapter 3 verse 18: “I testify that there is no god except God and Allah is his servant.” They are a people of strong commitment towards their religion and will gladly fight for their rights to practice and even lay down their lives in a public action to show their commitment to Allah and God (suicide bombers). They are a monotheistic people, who believe in one and only god, and that he is the supreme deity. (Wikipedia)

The second pillar is Salat. This required followers of Islam to pray five times a day at certain times and facing Mecca. This is when the followers pray to Allah, who is their personal connection with god. The purpose of Salat is seen to “restrain [ones] shameful and evil deeds.” Salat requires the follower to pray in the native tongue of Arabic, and if unable to speak Arabic then he or she may use his or her native tongue. In Islamic cities and communities there is a call to prayer that summons the community to prayer. (Wikipedia)

The third pillar is Zakat. Zakat is a call for Muslims to give charity to the poor based on their own personal wealth. They are required to give a certain percentage of their own wealth to the poor which can also included their debtors or even travelers. Zakat covers all form of money from personal, to savings, to income, and even to business. Zakat can also be a tax placed on most valuables and savings that the Islamic person must