Blogpost 27 - The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and

practice of the Islamic faith? 

 The shahadah is central to the Muslim faith because it affirms the Muslim belief that there is only one God.

2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to

live in obedience to the will of Allah?  

Mentally, they are submitting themselves to the will of God.  They are getting down and humbling themselves to Allah.  This is a commandment given to Muhammad so the Muslims are living in accordance to Allah, the right way in faith.

3. In what ways does the practice of zakat influence Muslims as a community of

faith? In other words, what does this practice say about the Muslim community

and its commitment to the poor and marginalized?

 This shows that Muslims care about the poor.  They do not want to be greedy, they want to distribute the wealth to the community.   They are practical and believe that those who have a lot should give to lose with little.   In this way, they are making a sacrifice to Allah. Just as he would want them too.

4. How does the practice of sawm both mentally and physically help a Muslim to

live in obedience to the will of Allah?  

Fasting gives Muslims the time to retreat from basic worldly desires and needs to focus only on Allah.  This teaches self-discipline and calls Muslims back to depend on Allah. They live like Allah has done, like days he didn’t eat.

5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice

similar and different from other world religions?  

 It is a pillar because it calls Muslims to focus solely on the worship of Allah or (God), the search for his forgiveness and help, and Taqwa.  It is where God revealed the Koran to Muhammad.  This is similar to Judaism, where Jews are called to visit Israel, the place which God had promised to Abraham.   Religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism have nothing that resembles this special journey.     

6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in relationship to

the Five Pillars? 

A huge challenge a Muslim would have to face is the praying 5 times a day. It must be hard to remember every time, or even having to stop everything just to pray.  I feel as though their under pressure from tradition.  I also feel like that some muslims do disobey some of these rules. They are human and they are not perfect. So they have to get tempted into doing something wrong.

Blog Post 26: 99 Names of God

The Sustainer – Masculine

            To me The Sustainer is a more masculine named used for God. I think this is a masculine name because, men are the ones that work hard to sustain their family. They are the ones that protect their family and make sure everything is okay. God does the same thing for each and every one of us. No matter what happens God always has our back. He is there for us when we are doing well and he is there for us when things are going bad. He is always there to take care of us, just as Men do for their families.  

 

The Vanquisher - Masculine

 

                To me the Vanquisher is masculine name for God, because men are the ones who fight. Men will fight for anything, but God is different. He has control over everything. He has the power to vanquish our problems. That is why I pray, not only to thank God and praise him, but also so that he can help me with my problems. I agree with this name, the Vanquisher, because there have been various times that I have called on God so that he can bless me by Vanquishing my problems.

 

 The Most Kind - Feminine

                To me the Most Kind is a more feminine name for God. I say this because, we view women as gentle and warm hearted. To me between Women and Men, women would be considered mre kind. But most of all God is the most kind. It is the perfect name for him, because it is true. He is so gentle with his creation. He truly cares for all of us. The Most Kind is a name for God, because he is the friend that is always there when you need him, he Is the one that doesn't make mistakes. God is truly the Most Kind.

 

The Responder – Feminine

           To me the Responder is a more feminine name for God. I say this because, mothers respond quickly to their families needs. When a baby cries, the mom is always there for whatever that baby needs. Just as mothers, God also responds quickly to all of our needs. He responds to prayers. God works in mysterious ways. He always answers our prayers, whether we notice them or not. He is always there to respond to our problems. The Responder is a perfect fit for God.  

 

The Sustainer, The Vanquisher, The Most Kind, and The Responder

  There are so many names that fit God, because God has so many different attributes. God is both masculine and feminine and uses both of those attributes at the perfect times. He is there to defend us when we need it and is also there just to hold us in his hands when we feel alone. God protects us and he also loves us. There are so many different things that God does for us and that is why he has so many different names. He truly has more than just 99 names. My favorites out of this list is the Sustainer, the Vanquisher, The most kind, and the Responder. God fits all of these in my life.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog 24 - Islam Webquest

1.  What is the highest estimate for the total number of Muslims that live in the world today?
2.1 billion2. List 10 countries who have a Muslim population of 86% or greater. China, India, France, Germany, UK, USA, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil and Bolivia.
3. What country has the largest Muslim population? Indonesia
4. How many Muslims are there in the United States? 2,595,000

Task #2
1. Muslims believe in one true God alone.
2. Muslims believe in the existence of the angles whom worship God alone.
3. Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind as guidance.
4.  Muslims believe in messengers of God.
5.  Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.
6. Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination.

Put 3 of Muhammad's sayings in your own words:
1. "Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him" in saying this Muhammad is pushing people to seek god because he welcomes everyone who looks for him
2. "There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of All". This is like the golden rule in Catholicism. Love one another as God has loved you.
3. "Conduct yourself in this world as if you are he to stay forever, and yet prepare for eternity as if you are to die tomorrow". This quote means to balance out your life. Enjoy it while you have it now and live each moment to its best, but remember that everyone dies and you never know when that will happen.

Task #3
1. What does the Quran provide?
 The faith and practice of Muslim faith as well as all subjects concerning human beings, wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, and most important the relationship between God and his creatures
2. In what language does the Quran exist? Why?
 Only Arabic because any translation is never considered the Quran only a translation of the meaning.
3. During which month was the Quran sent down from heaven?
Ramadan
4. What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do? What happened next?
He commanded Muhammad to read and then he taught Muhammad some verses from the Quran.

Task #4
1) list and explain the 5 pillars of faith:
A. Shahada (testimony of faith) must believe in the one true Allah no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger
B. Salat (prayer) must pray 5x a day facing Mecca in Arabic usually
C. Zakat (alms giving) must give to the poor
D. Sawm ( fasting) must fast during Ramadan from dawn to dusk which includes no sexual relations
E. Hajj (pilgrimage) must complete a pilgrimage to Mecca sometime in their lives
2. why are they important?
They are the obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life. Muslims must put faith into action and practice for life to have meaning. Following the pillars show that one is putting faith first.
3. Why is cheating on the 5 pillars impossible?
 They are a religious obligation and without them, life has no purpose.
4. Compare the 5 pillars with similar activities in other religions.
 Catholics fast and give alms during Lent

Task #5
1. What is Ramadan?
 A month of fasting on the 9th month of the Muslim colander.
2. What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan?
 Cannot eat, drink, smoke, or have sex
3. What can destroy the good acquired during Ramadan?
Telling a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, and greed.
4. Why is the 27th day significant?
 Its when Muhammad revealed the Quran.
5. What happens when Ramadan ends?
 A 3 day celebration where lots of food is eaten and gifts are exchanged.
6. What are the 3 reasons why Ramadan is important?
 It is said to be the month when the Quran a sent from heaven. It's when Muslims concentrate on their faith.  Its when God determines the course of the world for the year
7. Why is it easier to do good during Ramadan?
The month has been blessed by Allah

Task #6
List five interesting facts you learned from the websites above.

1. Islam is not only a religion but a way of life.
2. Muslims believe that abortion is wrong.
3. Women must cover their bodies because they embrace modesty.
4. Not all Muslims are Arab.
5. Women must cover their hair from men who they could potentially marry.