Kiaya
Nickens
Mr.
Sanchez
Christian
in the World – p.8
May
2, 2013
Blog Post 27:
Five Pillars of Islam
1.
Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and
practice of the Islamic faith?
The
pronouncement of the shadaha is central to a Muslisms faith because the Shahada
pronounces the two main tenets of Islam which are the following: God's
monotheism and Muhammad being his prophet. This is central because it
highlights that there is one God and Muhammad is the prophet who outlines
everything Muslims must do in order to submit to Allah. According to Muslims,
this pronouncement answers all questions and is said often. The Muslim identity
is monotheism and the practice was taught by Muhammad the prophet.
2. How does the
practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to
live in
obedience to the will of Allah?
Muslims
are required to be in a constant state of prayer so that they are never
distracted from God. Salat is the opportunity to pray and show physical
submission to Allah in the prayer five times a day. From a psychological aspect
Muslims are constantly focused on God and Salat outlines a physical ritual to
accompany their prayer and show total submission.
3. In what ways
does the practice of zakat influence Muslims as a community of
faith? In other
words, what does this practice say about the Muslim community
and its
commitment to the poor and marginalized?
Muslims
recognize the people in need through their faith because there is a pillar of
faith that directly deals with the poor. It influences them to help those in
need and form a close community. This practice shows that the Muslims are devout
and show a constant commitment to the poor.
4. How does the
practice of sawm both mentally and physically help a Muslim to
live in obedience
to the will of Allah?
Muslims
fast during Sawm and believe that the fasting makes them think and practice
self-discipline all in order to live in obedience. Fasting in the physical
approach and the fasting leads to a greater mental reflection, fulfilling the
mental approach.
5. Why do you
think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice
similar and
different from other world religions?
The
Hajj encompasses all of the mental and physical practice that a Muslim partakes
in. It provides Muslims with a concrete shrine and part of history that serves
as an affirmation to their faith in Muhammad and Allah. The pilgrimage often
makes Muslims more devoted and controlled in their religion. This is unique
because most other religions do not have a place that so many people congregate
at least once in their lifetime and retrace the footsteps of the founder.
6. What do you
think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in relationship to
the Five
Pillars?
Balancing
a constant devotion to Allah and having a job, family, kids, and parents to
care for.
Mainly
that because praying and charity become so woven in with daily life that it
isn't an inconvenience when you are devout to Allah. But it still might be hard
to balance relationships with others when you are so constantly focused on your
relationship with God.
