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The
teachings of Islam are comprised of both faith and duty (din). One branch of
Muslim learning, "Tawhid", defines all that a man should believe, while the
other branch, "Shari'a," prescribes everything that he should do. There is
no priesthood and no sacraments. Except among the Sufis, Muslims receive
instruction only from those who consider themselves adequately learned in
theology or law.
The basis
for Islamic doctrine is found in the Qur'an (Koran). It is the
scripture of Islam, written by Muhammad and his disciples as dictated
by the Angel Gabriel. It alone is infallible and without error. The Qur'an
is comprised of 114 surahs, or chapters, arranged from longest to
shortest. For Muslims, the Qur'an is the word of God, and he carrier of the
revelation of Muhammad, the last and most perfect of God's messengers to
mankind.
In addition
to the Qur'an, other documents are also referred to by followers of Islam. A
number of additional sayings of Muhammad were complied in the Hadith
("tradition"). The Torat (of Moses), Suhuf (books of the prophets), Zabur
(psalms of David), and the Injil (gospel of Jesus) are also studied and
considered to be revelations, although they are believed to have been
corrupted through time.
Five
Articles of Faith
The five
articles of faith are the main doctrines of Islam. All Muslims are expected
to believe the following:
1.
Allah.
Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam believes there is one true Allah
(The Arabic translation of the word God). Allah alone is the creator
of all the universe.
2.
Angels.
Angels exist and interact with human lives. They are comprised of light, and
each have different purposes or messages to bring to earth. Each man or
woman has two angels who record his actions; one records good deeds, the
other bad deeds.
3.
Scripture.
There are four inspired books, the Torah of Moses, the Psalms (Zabin) of
David, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Injil) and the Qur'an. All but the Qur'an
have been corrupted by Jews and Christians.
4.
Prophets.
God has spoken through numerous prophets throughout time. The six greatest
are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad is the last
and greatest of Allah's messengers.
5.
Last Days.
On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment. Those who
follow Allah and Muhammad will go to Islamic heaven, or Paradise. Those who
do not will go to hell.
The Five
Pillars of Faith
The five
pillars of faith are observances in Islam which are duties each Muslim must
perform.
1.
Creed (Kalima)-
One must state, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of
Allah." publicly to become a Muslim.
2.
Prayer (Salat)-
Prayer must be done five times a day (upon rising, at noon, in
mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to sleep) towards the
direction of Mecca. The call to prayer is sounded by the muezzin
(Muslim crier) from a tower (minaret) within the mosque.
3.
Almsgiving
(Zakat)- Muslims are
legally required to give one-fortieth of their income to the needy. Since
those whom alms are given are helping the giver achieve salvation, there is
no sense of shame in receiving charity.
4.
Fasting
(Ramadan)- During
the holy month of Ramadan, faithful Muslims fast from sunup to sundown each
day. This develops self-control, devotion to God, and identity with the
needy.
5.
Pilgrimage
(Hajj)- Each Muslim
is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime
if they have the means to do it and are physically capable of the trip. It
is an essential part of gaining salvation, so the old or infirm may send
someone in their place. It involves a set of rituals and ceremonies.
A sixth
religious duty associated with the five pillars is Jihad, or Holy
War. This duty requires that if the situation warrants, men are required
to go to war to defend or spread Islam. If they are killed, they are
guaranteed eternal life in Paradise.
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