In implementing the Belief series of caches, based upon several denominations within the Christian Religion, I discovered that there are Religions other than Christianity. This series seeks to present these Religions without bias and purely as a record of their tenents. In no way is there any evaluation or assessment of any belief structure.
It is hoped that the joy of making a find is enhanced with some hitherto unknown snippet of information. In other words, simply to enrich the fun !
Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. Followers are collectively called Muslims, who follow the writings of the Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims believe to be the last and final messenger of Allah the Almighty.
Islam is followed by over a billion people worldwide and is characterized by a set of beliefs and practices that guide their lives. Other tenents of Islam are:
Monotheism: Islam emphasizes the belief in the oneness of Allah. Muslims believe that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, who is eternal, all-powerful, and has no partners or associates.
Prophethood: Muslims believe that Allah has sent messengers and prophets throughout history to guide humanity. They revere Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as some of the prominent prophets. Muhammad is considered the final prophet, and the Qur'an is believed to be the last revelation from Allah.
The Qur'an: The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam. Muslims believe it to be the literal word of Allah, revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years. It serves as a comprehensive guide for personal, social, and spiritual matters, covering various aspects of life, including theology, morality, and law.
Five Pillars of Islam: These are the core religious obligations that every practicing Muslim is expected to fulfill:
a. Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, which states, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
b.Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers provide a direct connection between individuals and Allah.
c. Zakat (Charity): Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to the less fortunate in the form of obligatory charity. It promotes social welfare and reduces economic disparity.
d. Sawm (Fasting): Muslims observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-reflection, increased devotion, and empathy for the needy.
e. Hajj (Pilgrimage): If physically and financially able, Muslims are required to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime. It involves specific rituals and commemorates the life of Prophet Abraham.
Moral and Ethical Code: Islam emphasizes moral virtues such as honesty, kindness, justice, humility, forgiveness, and compassion. Muslims strive to follow these principles in their interactions with others and in their personal conduct.
Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the concept of an afterlife and the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this world. It serves as a motivation for leading a righteous life and seeking forgiveness for mistakes.
It is important to note that this is a brief overview, and the Islamic faith encompasses a rich and diverse range of interpretations, cultures, and practices across different regions. Muslims adhere to these principles with varying degrees of observance, but the core values of Islam promote peace, submission to Allah, and the betterment of individuals and society.