What are the central beliefs of Islam, and how are they reflected in the "Five Pillars”
I couldn't get into the www.islam.com website at the moment, but you might want to check back there eventually.
Meanwhile, peruse this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam -- and don't forget to scroll down a bit and read Five Pillars (section 3.1) in the table of contents.
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http://atheism.about.com/od/islammuslims/p/Beliefs.htm
Islam is a religion that has five central beliefs, which are reflected in the "Five Pillars." The central beliefs of Islam are commonly known as the "Five Articles of Faith," and they are:
1. Tawhid: This is the belief in the oneness of Allah, that Allah is the one and only God, and that there are no other gods besides Allah.
2. Prophethood: This is the belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final and greatest prophet sent by Allah.
3. Angels: This is the belief in the existence of angels, who are spiritual beings created by Allah to serve and worship Him.
4. Books: This is the belief in the divine books revealed by Allah, including the Quran, which is considered the final and most important revelation.
5. Day of Judgment: This is the belief in the Day of Judgment, when all individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this life and will be rewarded or punished accordingly.
These central beliefs are reflected in the "Five Pillars of Islam," which are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim is expected to fulfill:
1. Shahada: This is the declaration of faith, where a Muslim declares their belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Salah: This is the five daily prayers that Muslims are required to perform, facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers are a way to establish a direct connection with Allah and seek His guidance and forgiveness.
3. Zakah: This is the act of giving charity to those in need, which is seen as a way to purify one's wealth and help those who are less fortunate.
4. Sawm: This is the fasting observed during the month of Ramadan, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This act of self-discipline and sacrifice is seen as a way to purify the soul and develop empathy for those who are hungry and needy.
5. Hajj: This is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim who is physically and financially capable is required to make at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a physically and spiritually demanding journey that symbolizes unity and equality among Muslims, as they gather from all parts of the world to worship Allah together.
To learn more specific details about these central beliefs and how they are reflected in the Five Pillars, you can refer to authoritative Islamic websites such as www.islam.com or articles on Islam from reliable sources like Wikipedia or scholarly publications.