What are the central beliefs of Islam, and how are they reflected in the "Five Pillars” (McInerney, 2003)?
http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html
http://www.carm.org/islam/faith_five_pillars.htm
Of course, you'll need to read "Five Pillars" in order to make the connections.
Let us know what you come up with.
The 5 pillars are:
1.salah (prayer) --- they pray 5 times a day
2.zakaat (charity) --- There is a specific amount they have to give based on their gold.
3.sawm (fasts) --- They have the month of Ramadan to fast in.
4.shahada --- beleif in one God and Prophet
5.hajj (holy pilgrimage) --- It's actually the time of hajj right now.
Hope this helped :MC
The central beliefs of Islam, often referred to as the "Five Pillars of Islam," provide the foundation for the faith and its practice. Each pillar represents an important aspect of Islamic belief and serves as a guide for Muslims in their daily lives. Let's explore each of the Five Pillars and how they reflect the central beliefs of Islam.
1. Shahada (Faith or Declaration of Faith): The Shahada is the first and most important pillar of Islam. It involves declaring, with full conviction, the belief in the oneness of Allah (God) and the prophethood of Muhammad. This pillar reflects the central belief in Tawhid, the concept of the oneness and unity of Allah, and the belief that Muhammad is the final messenger of God.
2. Salah (Prayer): Salah refers to the obligatory prayers performed by Muslims five times a day. These prayers serve as a means of direct communication between a believer and Allah. They reflect the central belief in the importance of maintaining a close, personal relationship with Allah and seeking His guidance and blessings regularly.
3. Zakat (Charity): Zakat is the practice of providing financial assistance to the less fortunate members of society. Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) to those in need. This pillar reflects the central belief in social justice and the responsibility of individuals to care for the less fortunate.
4. Sawm (Fasting): Sawm refers to the fasting month of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This pillar reflects the central belief in self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude to Allah for His blessings. Fasting is seen as a way to purify the soul, develop self-control, and understand the plight of the needy.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once in their lifetime. It involves a series of rituals commemorating the actions and teachings of Prophet Abraham and the unity of Muslims worldwide. This pillar reflects the central belief in the unity of the Muslim community and the equality of all believers before Allah.
In summary, the Five Pillars of Islam reflect the central beliefs of Tawhid (oneness of Allah), Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger, social justice, self-discipline, empathy, gratitude, and the unity of the Muslim community. These pillars provide a roadmap for Muslims to practice their faith and live according to the teachings of Islam.