Our Long Journey into Mystery Part 5 Islam
This is a short reflection on the 5th of six of the world's great Faith Traditions.It is also the 3rd of the Western Monetheistic Religions to be considered.
It is important to realise that it is based on a series of short articles designed to introduce people to each Faith Tradition. These are written for a mainly Western and/.or Christian based audience. TRherefore, the reflection merely attempts to introduce some main and/or major aspects of each Tradition.
This one focuses on Islam a tradition that has given so much in the areas of science, art, mathematics and spirituality that has been added to the store of inherited wisdom that 'feeds' our human family.
ISLAM - Peace & Submission to Allah
‘There is no other God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of God
‘ (The Shahada)
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The Shahada is a declaration of faith for Muslims who are
followers of Islam a rich and deeply spiritual Faith Tradition. Islam, which means
submission and has roots in the word Salaam or peace, is a faith which
encourages believers to submit to the One God ‘Allah’ the Merciful. Its
emblem of the Crescent Moon and Star symbolises the essence of Islam contained
in this quote –‘let Islam guide you through life as the stars and the moon guides a
traveller over the desert.’
It was
founded by the prophet Muhammad – ‘Peace be upon him’ (570-632)- who lived in Mecca in Suadi Arabia and is now the most sacred and holy place for Muslims
Muhammad – Peace be upon him, was persecuted
during his life, but his exemplary life and the clarity of his message build up
a considerable body of followers. His followers have spread the message of
Islam to all corners of the world and it is now a truly great Faith Tradition.
A Muslim’s life and faith is built on the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM and these form a firm basis for life. These five pillars are :
1. The Shahada - When a Muslim recites this, proclaiming that
Allah is the only God, and that Muhammad is his prophet; they undertake to
obey all the commitments of Islam in
their life
2.
Salat These are the obligatory prayers that God
ordered Muslims to pray at five set times of day. These are at; dawn, midday , the late part of the afternoon,
just after sunset and between sunset and
midnight
3. Zakat
This is the 3rd Pillar. It is the
compulsory giving of a set proportion(2.5%) of one's wealth to charity. It is a
reminder to Muslims of the importance of obeying and acknowledges that everything
comes from Allah and is merely on loan.
It reminds the faithful of their obligation and need to be compassionate and loving to others
as well as themselves.
4. Sawm. This is fasting. Muslims are required to fast
during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During the hours of daylight
for the 30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up food or drink of any
sort, smoking and sexual activity. Muslims who are physically or mentally
unwell, those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are
pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling are excused.
5.
Hajj For Muslims, the Hajj is the fifth and
final Pillar. Once a year, Muslims of
every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca Mecca
Muslims
believe in something called "Ummah" or "one
community". Consequently they see
fellow Muslims as being part of their family.
However, just like other Faith Traditions there are different groups.
The differences within Islam began in the 7th Century when the Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be upon Him) died. These differences are mainly centred on the
succession and the rule of the Caliphs (successors) of the Prophet and on some
writings.
Shia. Some Muslims wanted Muhammad's son
in law, Ali, to succeed Muhammad. This group are known as Shia and are
followers of Ali – the fourth caliph. Although they accept the 5 Pillars, they
have additional ‘pillars’
Sunni. Those who wanted a friend of Muhammad's
(called Abu Bakr) to succeed Muhammad are known as Sunni. The Sunnis comprise
about 80% of the world’s Muslims. Sunnis and Shi'tes have different versions of
the Hadith (the book of Mohammad's sayings.) In turn, this means they have a
slightly different understanding of Islam.
Sufis. This is a relatively small contemplative
branch of Islam that conveys and embodies the mystical tradition of Islam.
Islam has
contributed so much to humanity, both as a Faith Tradition and in architecture,
science and art. I end with this short reflection with a story on humility as
told about the Prophet (Peace be upon Him).
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The
Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions landed from their rides and laid
the loads down. It was decided that they would sacrifice a lamb for dinner. One
of the companions volunteered: "I will sacrifice the lamb." Another: "I will skin it." A third: "I will cook it." and so
on. The Prophet (Peace be upon Him.) said:
"I will gather the wood from the desert." The group responded “O
Messenger of Allah, it is not becoming of you to discomfort yourself as such.
You rest. We will be honoured to do all this on our own." The Prophet
(Peace be upon Him.) replied: "I know that you are eager to do it all, but
Allah isn't pleased with the servant who distinguishes between himself and his
companions, and considers himself better than others." Then he went to the
desert, and gathered some wood, and brought it to the group.
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