Douglas Vaughn

Religiouns of the Western World

September 27, 2001

Islam Z

Part 1.

What is Islam?

Islam is a religious expression that has its roots in the Middle Eastern culture of the Arabian Peninsula. During this historical period the Arabian Peninsula was a cultural cross roots for Caravans trading goods between Asia, Africa, and Europe. This cross roads allowed for a cultural mixing between nomadic herdsmen and traders, as well as Jewish and Christian merchants. They exchanged customs, ideals, and materials. These groups where divided in their economic, political, and religious beliefs.

Islam: was founded by an orphaned member of the powerful and important Quraysh tribe. Al-Amin Muhammad learned the important of family and clan connections. He also developed compassion for the poor and afflicted members of his society. He grew up in the traditional herding life style of the Arabian culture. During his lifetime he was known as a religious leader and worked to unite the Arabian tribes and preach the message of Allah.

Muhammad believed his revelations to be inspired by Allah (God) through the angle of Gabriel. Islam is believed to be the true original religion practiced by Abraham. This belief therefore connects the Arabian people to the land and history of the Middle East. Islam believes that the Judaic and Christian religions are sacred, but that these groups misinterpreted God’s teachings. Islam is reviewed as the correction to these older religions.

Al-Amin Muhammad lived between 570-632 and after his death several followers worked hard to collect and organize his recitings. These writings were but inorder of decreasing length and became known as the Quran. A second, collection, which includes Muhammad’s acts, deeds, and sayings were arranged into several texts, which are known as the Hadiths. These two texts became the written source for the practice of Islam.

The five basic devotional practices of Islam followers are collectively known as the Five Pillars of Islam.

1. Shahada, testifying that; “ There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

2. Salat, Five daily prayer services to God.

3. Zakat, Almsgiving to the Islam community.

4. Sawm, Fasting during the daylight hours during the month of Ramadan.

5. Hajj, a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca.

These Five Pillars form the basic devotional practices required of all of Islam’s followers.

The First Pillar is the main tenant of Islam. For Islam, there is no God but God, and expresses the unity of God and the unity of all humans. Muslims believe that God is one, forever and without exception transcendent surpassing all human knowledge. They feel that the divinity of Christ by Christians is an error in the understanding of God’s oneness. Muslims also believe that they must submit to the will of God, having no other, worldly desire but the complete submission to God.

The second, pillar, is the five daily prayers to God. These prayers occur at various times during the day. The first prayer begins a sunrise and the last begins a sunset. It this way Muslims, feel that they remember God’s glory throughout the entire day. Muslim’s do not pray for favors of God. In this way Muslim, prayer is not to be confused with other types of pray for they are performed in submission and focus on the glory of God.

The third pillar of Islam is the practice of alms giving. This duty is required to help promote equality among Muslim followers. It also helps those favored by God to honor God’s blessings during the year. Muslims are asked to donate if they are able to. This wealth sharing helps to maintain the Umma or community of Muslims and only goes towards helping the community and not warfare.

Sawm is the forth pillar of Islam, it focuses on the hard journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, and is practiced during the month of Ramadan. This daylight fast requires that Muslims not eat, drink or take part in sexual acts. It is meant to help Muslim followers gain an understanding of the plight of the poor with in the world. The fast ends a sunset and is accompanied with a communal meal. At the end of Ramadan, the Muslim community celebrates with communal meals and festivals.

The final pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Its goal is to help unite the communities of Muslim followers. It also stresses the unity of God, the Earth, and all humanity. This pilgrimage is said to be the one life-changing event in many of the Muslim followers who have taken part in it. This pilgrimage is unlike any other religious practice in the whole world.

It must be remembered that these obligations are understood in light of the mercy of God. Those who are unable to partake, are not condemned, and simply must with in their ability compensate for missing an obligation. An example of this is the fact that the sick and injured do not have to fast during the month of Ramadan. Yet, Muslims prefer not to miss these obligations, as it is central to their religious practice.

Part 2.

What was seen as attractive and valuable in Islam: by the two persons you have met: Jameelah Malik and Yusuf Islam? Why do they say they accepted Islam?

I believe that both of these individuals were impressed by the Islamic devotional practice of Muslim followers. I also believe that the simple and straightforward explanations of God; helped them to find commonality with others. They both disagreed with the Christian Trinity concept, which can be confusing to most people and has always been a historical question and problem in Christianities theology. Many people find it difficult to believe in the many tenants of Christian theology, like the divinity of Jesus, and the virgin birth; the Islamic faith does not seem to me to have these confusing religious dogmas. Finally both felt that deeds were more important that creeds of belief, here the Muslim religion centers on practice that provides a clear and simple devotion to God.

Yusuf Islam also found the Quran to be a valuable tool in answering his religious questions. He found it to explain his purpose in life. He said, “I felt that the only answer for me was the Qur’an and God had sent it to me…” He did not like the Christian practice of going through Jesus to reach God and liked the direct relationship he felt that Islam allowed.

Part 3

What aspects of everyday American life and culture are the most difficult or challenging for a Muslim to deal with? Can Islam speak a word of guidance or critique to American culture and values today?

I believe that the American ethic of Capitalism is the most difficult for Muslims to deal with. As Americans our individual quest of wealth and independence goes against the Muslim concept of unity and community responsibility. Many Americans judge people based on their achievements and not there personality. We tend to honor the wealthy, selfish members of our society, while we should focus on helping others and worshipping God.

In this way, I believe that the Muslim faith could help Americans understand the importance of family and community. We could learn to honor God by helping the poor within or community. We should turn from our quest for individual wealth and worship of human achievements to a worship of God. The Muslim practice of submission to God’s will could also provide others with the strength to openly practice their religions even when; they are not supported by the majority of Americans.