Understanding Islam

- A short post to help me understand Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion revealed through the prophet Muhammad (God's messenger). 

The word Islam means submission or surrender to the will of god (Allah in Arabic).

Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. Muslims believe Islam was revealed to Muhammad 1400 years ago (7th century) in Mecca, Arabia.

Prophets

Muslims believe that God sent a number of prophets to teach them how to live. These include Jesus, Moses and Abraham.

Muslims believe that Islam is the one and true religion - and Muhammad was the final prophet.

Quar'an (or Koran)

Muslims base their laws on their holy book - the Qur'an and Sunnah (living habits of Muhammad), this was revealed in stages to the Prophet Muhammad over 23 years.

The true word of god was spoken by the Angel Gabriel, who appeared to the Prophet Muhammad while he was mediating in a cave on Mount Kira.

The Koran is regarded by Muslims as the sacred word of God and it is intended to correct any errors in previous holy books, such as the Old and New Testaments. It is considered to be one of the greatest pieces of literature in Arabic language.

Five Pillars of Islam

There are five pillars of Islam. These are duties that a Muslim aims to fulfil;

1. Shahadah (Witnessing) - Muslims declare their faith by saying: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger".

2. Salat (Prayer) - God set five times in the day when Muslims should pray.

Muslims can pray anywhere, but they always pray facing Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. Muslims also pray in mosques.

3. Zakat (Charity)- Muslims give 2.5% of their wealth to charity.

This shows obedience to God and prevents greed.

It is believed that in giving, the possesions you keep are made pure.

4.Sawm (The Fast) - during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to sunset. This means not eating or drinking anything at all.

One of the reasons Muslims fast is because they believe that Ramadan is the time when the Holy Qur'an was first revealed.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj is the journey to a place called Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All Muslims should make this pilgrimage at least once in their life, if they can afford it and are physically able.

Five Pillars of Islam - from BBC

Sunni and Shia

There are two main groups of Muslims such as the Sunnis and Shi'ites.

The differences within Islam first began in the 7th Century when the Prophet Muhammad died. There were disagreements as to who should lead the Muslim community.

Some Muslims wanted Muhammad's son in law, Ali, to succeed Muhammad. This group are what we now know as Shia.

Those who wanted a friend of Muhammad's (called Abu Bakr) to succeed Muhammad are known as Sunni.

Sunnis and Shi'tes have different versions of the Hadith (book of Mohammad's sayings and stories). This means they have a slightly different understanding of Islam.

Sharia Law

Sharia law is Islam's legal system. It is derived from both the Koran, Islam's central text, and fatwas - the rulings of Islamic scholars.

Sharia law acts as a code for living that all Muslims should adhere to, including prayers, fasting and donations to the poor. It covers every aspect of daily life for Muslims.

Islams basic articles of faith - From BBC

For disclosure : I am an agnostic

Controversies

Islam does teach that apostasy is punishable by death.

Adulterers are to be stoned to death

Homosexuality is forbidden and considered a crime in Islam. Muslims see it as a transgression and moral perversion. Punishment varies from stoning, harsh beatings and death penalty.

Islam punishes theft by severing the hands.

Muslims are permitted to lie under certain circumstances, such as during war.

Islamic extermism and Jihad (struggle)

In an effort to keep this post succinct, I will leave these points for the reader to investgate further.