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Understanding Islam

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Understanding Islam
Dawnette McCree
HUM/130
May 31, 2015
Daniel Mages

Understanding Islam
The Muslims are a very devout group. They are steeped in tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. They are devoted to the study and recitation of the Qur’an on a daily basis. They map their lives according to the Five Pillars that are mentioned in the Qur’an as a support for one’s life and faith. They are adamant about Ramadan and use it as a means to gain both self-enlightenment and unity with other Muslims.
The Qur’an is the Holy Book of the Muslims. It is the equivalent of the Holy Bible in Christian faith. Its name means recitation. The Qur’an is a compilation of Muhammad’s sermons and revelations. It is in no particular order or chronology. Unlike other religious texts the Qur’an talks about other religions and the people of other religious texts. It consists of 114 suras. The Qur’an is very repetitive which makes the memorizing of scripture easier. They are repeated daily in prayer and sermons. The Qur’an is also very descriptive in nature. Reading the Qur’an, a person can easily visualize what they are reading. Passages from the Qur’an are incorporated into works of art. Because of the beauty of the written Arabic language, it is also used to decorate mosques and religious schools.
The Qur’an teaches about the Five Pillars that support one’s faith. All Muslims are expected to practice the Five Pillars. These are: creed, prayer, charity to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
The creed, or shahadah, of Muslims is very simplistic in nature. “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” All a person has to do is say it and believe it and they are considered Muslim.
Prayer, or salat, is expected to be performed five times a day. It is to be said before dawn, at midday at midafternoon, sunset, and again

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