A Brief Look at: Islam

Peace through Understanding

I believe that tolerance and understanding are huge components to peace. In this light I am undertaking a personal study of the different religions of the world and I invite you to join me in this journey.

In every issue (every other month) I will write about what I have learned about a particular religion. I want to make it clear that I do not claim to be an expert on any religion and I am doing this as a personal exploration only. These articles will be a very BRIEF introduction of a specific religion.

It is my hopes that the topic of the various religions will solicit input, dialogue and discussions so that we, as a community, may learn from one another and grow together. Please go to our Discussion forums under General Topics and then under World Religions to recommend a website or a book or even to give your input on this specific area.
(http://www.peacefulearth.com/forum)

A Brief look at: Islam

According to recent statistics Islam is the second leading religion of the world (1.3 billion followers) only preceded by Christianity (2.1 billion followers).

I watched a wonderful television series the other day titled 30 days (on FX). The series was created by Morgan Spurlock who did the documentary “Supersize Me” in which he explored what 30 days of eating fast food would do to your body.

But on this particular episode he explored what it would be like to be a Muslim in America. The show was very enlightening and highlighted some of the basic traditions and customs of the Islamic religion.

In the show, Morgan went out on the streets and interviewed people and just asked them to say whatever they thought when they heard the word “Islam.” Sadly, most people said, “terrorists.”

I find it very disturbing that most people associate Islam with terrorists. As with any “group of people” there are always a few radical extremists that reflect poorly on the whole. I do not believe that we can hold an entire group responsible for the actions of a few.

For example, when I was in college I was involved in animal rights because of my deep compassion toward animals. At that time there were some extreme groups that were involved in placing bombs in “animal researchers” homes and labs and they were involved in other illegal activities such as breaking into labs, putting bombs in packages, etc.
I was not a part of this radical group and I did not support their actions. Yet most people associated “me” with them because I was involved in animal rights. I know that we can think of countless examples where a group’s reputation as a whole suffered from the actions of a few extreme radicals.

The other piece that this documentary highlighted was how Americans treat American Muslims. A Christian man was supposed to go live with a Muslim family for 30 days and adhere to their customs and practices.

Part of the tradition meant that he was supposed to dress like a Muslim and grow a beard. When this man went to the airport to get on the plane in his Muslim attire and with a partially grown beard, he was singled out by the airport personnel.

As a white Anglo American he had never been “frisked” but as a “Muslim” he had been frisked, questioned and searched. This portion of the documentary really showed what it was like to live in that type of “environment” where we as “Americans” single out other people or groups of people based on appearances. I am hoping that through education and understanding this will all change.

Islam is a peaceful practice and should not in any way be associated with terrorism or violence. I hope that through television shows such as the one above and articles such as this that we can “break” that stereotype and move toward understanding of all religions and all people.

Islam summarized means “the peace that comes when one’s life is surrendered to God.” Those who adhere to Islam are Muslims.

In the latter half of the Sixth Century A.D. came Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. Muhammad was considered to be a mouthpiece of God.

Muhammad was born into the leading tribe of Mecca in approximately 570 A.D. His early life was filled with tragedy--his father dying before his birth and his mother dying at age 6. He went to live with his Uncle and helped flock sheep.

Muhammad married at woman, Khadija, when he was 25 years old. Then for fifteen years he “prepared” for his ministry. Muhammed began to frequent a cave on Mount Hira. One night he was greeted by an angel who told him to proclaim the word of Allah. Later Muhammed professed to his wife that he had either become a prophet or “possessed.”

Muhammad thus became a preacher of God’s word and a bringer of God’s message to mankind. The public reaction to his message was hostile for many reasons but mainly due to the fact that Muhammad proclaimed monotheism (one God) in a polytheistic society.
In 622 A.D. Muhammad migrated to Medina. This migration is known as the Hijra and is a turning point in history. Muhammad became a masterful politician. He later died in 632 A.D with all of Arabia under his control.

The bible of Islam is the Koran. Muhammad called it “God’s Standing Miracle,” as it was the recitation of God through him. The word of the Koran came to Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Koran is presented in Arabic, the original language in which it was proclaimed.

Concepts

-Muslims believe in only one God.

-Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet of God.

-Foremost among God’s creations is the human self.

-Ghaflah is the concept of people forgetting their true nature. (Like Original Sin in Christianity) It is the belief of Islam that man is created in God’s image as perfect and good in every way. “You do not see in the creation of the All-merciful any imperfection. Return your gaze…It comes back to you dazzled.” (67:4) But that sometimes we “forget” this divine origin.

-A fundamental belief shared by all Muslims is the belief that each soul will be held accountable for its actions in the afterlife and its future will depend on how well the commands of God had been practiced.

Customs

-Taking shoes off before entering home or mosque.
-Washing hands and face before and after prayer.
-No alcoholic beverages.
-No pork.
-Only eat meat that has been “prayed upon” or offered a blessing. (Like Kosher to the Jews)

The Five Pillars of Islam

FIRST:
Shahadah is a confession of faith- “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” This is often chanted by Muslims, especially during times of chaos or uncertainty.

SECOND:
To be constant in prayer. Muslims pray five times a day. Washing to purify the body and soul precedes every prayer.

THIRD:
Charity. Those who have much should help lift the burden of those who have less.

FOURTH:
The observance of Ramadan. Ramadan is Islam’s holy month. Able bodied Muslims must fast. (Neither food nor drink nor smoke should pass their lips.)

FIFTH:
Pilgrimage. Once during his/her lifetime every Muslim, physically able, is expected to journey to Mecca.

In conclusion, Islam is a peaceful religion with a deep devotion to God. Muslims are very dedicated to God and practice prayer regularly. They also deeply care for those less fortunate.

I’d encourage all of us to open are hearts and expand our awareness toward other religions. Please join our discussion forums to keep these discussions going:
(http://www.peacefulearth.com/forum)

Peace and love,
Lisa Hepner

Resources
“30 days” documentary series “Muslim and America” on FX by Morgan Spurlock
The World’s Religions by Huston Smith