The Muslim Faith

The central belief in the Muslim faith is that “there is only one God and Muhammad is his

prophet.” The Quran is the text of reading divinely revealed to Muhammad from Allah (God). In addition to

reading the text, good works shows a Muslims measure of faith. Muslims do not believe in the inheritance

of sin from Adam for each man makes his own destiny in this path.

Moreover, the five pillars in the Islamic faith refer to the five obligations of its followers. Shahad is

the confession of faith, which seems relatively easy to fulfill. It is the belief, confession, and recitation of

the saying, “there is only one God, and Muhammad is his prophet.” Salah or prayer is required five times

a day. Correct prayer requires a following of a strict ritual. The ritual includes cleanliness, clothing, and

direction. Zakah is a tithe of two and a half percent of personal wealth to the disadvantaged. This tithe is a

cleansing of wealth to keep ones sight on Allah and not personal gain. It is also in place so that society

helps one another. Siyam or fasting is the fourth pillar of obligation. The recommendation for this

obligation is to perform it often but only required during Ramadan. Fasting includes food, drink, and

sexual relations. The fifth of the pillars is Hajj or the pilgrimage required for those who are physically and

financially able. This is a symbolic pilgrimage because of the ancestral plight to bring all Muslim nations

together.