Islam

I promised to write about the basics of Islam today. There are many Islamic extremists in the world, and they, unfortunately , get all the attention. It makes people have a concept that the Islamic religion is all about hate, killing, and destruction. It isn't.

This is just the basics, if you find it interesting, there are many resources for learning more.

The book of Islam is the Qur'an, it is considered to be the word of God, much like the Old Testament of the Bible. People who follow the Islamic religion are called Muslims, and believe that there life should be dedicated daily to worshiping God, they believe that worship is the main purpose for our lives.

Practices are called the Five Pillars of Islam, they are:  following the creed, daily prayer, fasting during the holy Days of Ramadan , giving alms (charity), and traveling to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. many resonate with its' tenets in their true form.

They believe there is God's Law and Man's law and there is a place where each should be used in daily life, much like Jewish tradition. The laws are followed strictly, and are used when deciding any disagreement.
The Islamic religion is very much abut helping others, which is contrary to the way of the extremists. Remember, every religion has extremists.

There are basically two denominations of Islam, the Suni and the Shia. The Suni far outnumber the Shia. Muslins live in just about every place on this earth, mostly in South Asia (and you thought it was the Middle East!), they also have large numbers in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Sub Sahara Africa. There are also large populations in areas of Europe, China and Russia. Islam is the second largest religion in the world.

Muslims also believe things like: Prophets are not divine, but humans; we will be judged on our deeds at the end of our lives or the end of time; God has full control over everything that happens to us, yet allows us free will; ritual prayer; it is a religious obligation to help those who need help.

There is nothing in the Islamic texts about bombing people or harming in any way. The true Muslims are actually people who strongly believe in community and helping those who are their neighbors, not harming them. The Muslim religion is an example of "a few bad apples".

Always research, and never hate a group of people because of their religion , color, or birthplace.

Research , learn and grow


Peshaui Wequashimese



(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.