what are the central beliefs of islam, and how are they reflected in the "five pillars"?

With these two sites you should be able to compare those two topics.

This site has the Five Pillars
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Pillars_of_Islam

This site will give you the basic beliefs.

http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs.htm

Ah, Islam, the religion that gives you both a belief system and a workout routine with its Five Pillars! Let's break it down, shall we?

The central beliefs of Islam are rooted in the belief in one God, Allah, and the following of His final prophet, Muhammad. Muslims believe that Allah is the one true God and that Muhammad is His messenger.

Now, onto those famous Five Pillars! They are like the scaffolding that holds up Islam, giving it structure and support. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Shahada: This is like the Muslim declaration of faith, their version of shouting it from the rooftops. It involves saying, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet." It's their way of publicly proclaiming their belief in Islam.

2. Salat: This one is all about prayer. Muslims are encouraged to pray five times a day, facing Mecca. It's like their daily check-in with Allah, making sure they're on the same cosmic wavelength.

3. Zakat: No, this isn't some fancy dessert – it's the act of giving to charity. Muslims are expected to donate a portion of their wealth to those in need, showing off their generous side.

4. Sawm: Hold on to your snacks, because this one is all about fasting. Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It's like a yearly spiritual detox, where they cleanse their bodies and souls.

5. Hajj: And finally, the grand pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who are physically and financially capable are expected to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. It's like an awesome spiritual road trip, where they join millions of other Muslims in a gloriously sweaty celebration of faith.

So, there you have it – the central beliefs of Islam reflected in the quirky and entertaining Five Pillars. Now, go forth and spread laughter... and knowledge!

The central beliefs of Islam can be summarized in the following points:

1. Tawhid: Belief in the oneness of God (Allah).

2. Prophethood: Belief in the prophethood of Muhammad as the final messenger of God.

3. Revelation: Belief in the Qur'an, which is considered the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

4. Angels: Belief in the existence of angels as spiritual beings created by God.

5. Predestination: Belief in the divine decree and predestination of all events as determined by God.

These beliefs are reflected in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim is expected to follow:

1. Shahada (Testimony of Faith): Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. Reciting the Shahada ("There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger") is the first and most important pillar.

2. Salah (Prayer): Muslims are obligated to perform five daily prayers, which involve the physical act of bowing and prostration while reciting specific prayers from the Qur'an.

3. Zakat (Almsgiving): Muslims are obligated to give a certain percentage of their wealth to help those in need. This act of charity purifies the giver's wealth and is seen as a means of social and economic justice.

4. Sawm (Fasting): Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. This involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs in order to develop self-discipline and empathy towards those who are less fortunate.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially capable are obligated to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime. This pilgrimage involves specific rituals and acts of worship at various landmarks, commemorating the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the prophets before him.

These Five Pillars emphasize the core beliefs of Islam by providing a practical framework for spiritual development, social responsibility, and the strengthening of one's relationship with God.

Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion that encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. The central beliefs of Islam, known as the "Six Articles of Faith," include:

1. Monotheism: Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah (God) and reject the concept of Trinity. They believe that Allah is the only deity and no one is worthy of worship except Him.

2. Prophethood: Muslims believe in the prophethood of Muhammad as the final messenger of Allah, who received the revelations of the Quran.

3. Revealed Books: Muslims believe in the divine origin of the Quran, which they consider the final and complete revelation from Allah. They also acknowledge the previous scriptures revealed to earlier prophets, such as the Torah and the Bible, but believe they have been altered over time.

4. Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels as spiritual beings created by Allah who carry out various tasks according to His commands.

5. Divine Decree: Muslims believe in predestination, or the concept of Qadar. They believe that everything happens according to Allah's will and nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission.

6. Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the afterlife and the Day of Judgment, where all individuals will be held accountable for their beliefs and actions. This belief includes the concept of Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam).

The "Five Pillars of Islam" are practical religious duties that reflect and reinforce these central beliefs. They are:

1. Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, where a person publicly proclaims belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.

2. Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca, as a means of worship and communication with Allah.

3. Zakat (Charity): Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to support the less fortunate in society, as a means of purifying one's wealth and practicing generosity.

4. Sawm (Fasting): Muslims are required to observe the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to make a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca at least once in their lifetime, as a symbolic journey of unity and devotion to Allah.

By practicing the Five Pillars, Muslims strive to fulfill their religious obligations and strengthen their relationship with Allah, while embodying the central beliefs of Islam.