Islam believes in only one god. The God. This God is Allah. Islam and Christianity see eye to eye from the beginning of the Bible to a certain point, according to the Koran: Ishmael, Abraham’s son migrated to Mecca and from there his descendants were Muslim. Ishmael’s brother, Isaac stayed in his birth place, Palestine and became a Jew.
If one ever hears about Islam, they will immediately hear about the, “highly praised” Muhammad. “The prophet through whom Islam reached its definitive form.” He is the greatest prophet that has ever and will ever succeed in Islam. Muslims rarely mention his name without these words immediately following, “blessings and peace be upon him.” Born in 570 A.D. his parents died at a young age and his uncle raised him. Muhammad was described as, “...sweet and gentle disposition.” At the age of 25 he married Khadija, who was 15 years older than him.
Muhammad felt very strongly that he had a mission in life, that there was more for him to do. He frequented in a mountain cave to pray, meditate and receive revelation from Allah. One of his first revelations came a commonly used phrase among Muslims: La ilaha illa ‘llah. THere is no god but God!
Muhammad was Allah’s instrument in bringing about the work of what they call God’s “standing miracle,” or the Koran. This book came through Muhammad in sections over a span of 23 years. When he would be receiving direction or revelation a change in him would visibly occur. The Koran’s message is that of unity, omnipotence and mercy of God. God speaks in first person, unlike other religious scripture, and Muslims consider this as commandments and direction coming directly from him.
The way Islams are counseled to live is summed up in one phrase: To walk the straight path. This phrase is stated in the opening surah of the Korah. Islam’s beliefs are broken up into five segments called the five pillars of Islam. The first is shahadah. This means, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” Muslims believe this is the ultimate answer to all questions. The second pillar of Islam is canonical prayer, meaning to keep life in perspective. This is the hardest pillar for Muslims to understand and apply. To help them keep their focus, they are directed to pray five times a day. Prayer is suggested on arising, when the sun is high in the sky, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before sleeping. The third pillar is charity. In the Koran it says that every Muslim should give two and one half percent to the poor annually. The fourth pillar is ramadan. This is a month of no food, drink, smoke, or sexual activity while the sun is present, for one month. The purpose of the ramadan is to help them reflect and refocus themselves. Islam’s fifth and final pillar is pilgrimage. Muslims who have the means are directed to go to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Mecca is a holy land where God’s first revelation descended. This journey to the holy land is one’s ultimate dream in the Islam faith.
Personal Reflection -
I can relate very well with Islamic beliefs. They believe in not gambling, stealing, lying, drinking, and immorality as I do. I think it is wise to have moderation and not lead a life of excess. It is interesting that they pray five times a day. It intrigues me how they keep themselves in focus and are continually striving to be better, do better and keep Allah in their thoughts. I think it’s very interesting that from the Book of Genesis to Abraham’s sons their beliefs are the same. And today Islam and Christianity are two of the largest religions in the world. I respect this people and think highly of them and how they are very diligent in their living style.
