Author: D. Sader

The Qur’an

The Islamic holy book is known as the Qur’an, or Koran. The word Qur’an means “recitation.” It records Muhammad’s revelations from Allah.

Until about 650 C.E., the Qur’an existed only in oral form. Muhammad shared his revelations with his followers, who memorized his words. Then about twenty years after Muhammad’s death, all the revelations ere gathered together in written form.

Some Muslims objected to writing down Muhammad’s revelations. They said that if Muhammad had wanted these revelations committed to writing, he would have asked his followers to do this during his lifetime. Other leaders felt that it was essential. Their view prevailed, and the written Qur’an was prepared.

What reasons can you think of for writing down the revelations of Muhammad? List as many reasons as you can.

Prohibited Acts

Devout Muslims dedicate themselves to cultivating certain virtues and avoiding vices. Muslims are prohibited from doing many things.

They include spiritual prohibitions: Muslims should not deny the revelation of God to his prophets, swear falsely in the name of God, or lose hope in the mercy of God.

They also include behavioural prohibitions: Muslims should not deliberately kill another human being, lie, steal, cheat, betray their country, commit adultery, gamble, drink alcohol, oppress the people or aid an oppressor, or deliberately hinder a good cause.

Choose one of these prohibitions. Explain why you think it is important.

The Gift of Life

In Islam, life is considered a gift from Allah. Accepting this gift leaves us with two obligations.

First, we must show our gratitude for this gift.

Second, in return for this gift, we must give ourselves to Allah by surrendering ourselves to his wishes.

Do you believe that life is a “gift?’ Explain why or why not.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Islam includes five major principles known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars are Shahadah, declaring one’s faith in Allah; salat, daily prayer; zakat, giving to charity; saum, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan; and Hajj, making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca

Many different cultures and religions have pillars or underlying principles that set them apart. Think of a group, religion, or other organization that has specific pillars. Explain these pillars and show how they make the group unique.

The Second Pillar of Islam: Prayer

The second Pillar of Islam, salat, is the ritual of praying five times a day.

There are two focuses one can have in prayer. The first, salat, consists of praising Allah. The second, known as du’a, or “calling on Allah,” means asking Allah for something.

What is the difference between praising Allah and asking Allah for help?

The Third pillar of Islam: Charity

The third Pillar of Islam is called zakat. It means charity or dues-to-the-poor.

There are certain requirements to be met before one can give the zakat. One must be an adult, have savings, and have paid all of one’s regular expenses. If these things are in order, Muslims pay 2.5% of their wealth to charity or government programs.

The purpose of this Pillar is to remind Muslims that those who are in need are entitled to assistance. The zakat purifies people of attachment to wealth and reminds them of Allah’s generosity.

The material world is said to distract people from leading a good life. Does a desire for money keep people from making the right decisions in life? Explain your opinion.

The Fourth Pillar of Islam: Fasting

The fourth Pillar of Islam is saum, or fasting. In the ninth month of the lunar calendar of Islam, the faithful fast from dawn to dusk.

During the fast, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, lying, and sensual contact. The fast is meant to help Muslims overcome personal gluttony and the habit of always desiring more.

According to Islam, people struggle to master their bodies and emotions. Fasting helps them with this.

When you want something, is it hard to deny it to yourself? Do you think that practice at denying ourselves things we want would be good for us? Explain.

The Fifth Pillar of Islam: The Hajj

The fifth Pillar of Islam is the hajj, or pilgrimage. This consists of a journey to mecca in Saudi Arabia and circling the Ka’bah, a small building made of bricks and covered with a heavy black cloth. The Ka’bah is believed to be the centre of monotheism. Abraham himself built the shrine in the Ka’bah, and Muhammad restored it to a place for worshipping Allah alone (no idols)

During the pilgrimage, Muslims recall the success of Hagar and Ishmael, the prophet Abraham’s concubine and their son. Hagar and Ishmael were aided by Allah after they were abandoned by Abraham in the Arabian desert. Pilgrims visit the barren Plain of Arafah to be reminded of the Day of Judgment and throw rocks at stone pillars representing Shaytan, the spirit of evil. They also pray regularly. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the hajj.

Most of us have had some experience of being part of a large group of people focused on the same thing, such as at a sporting event or a concert. Think about an experience like this that you have had. Did the energy of the group affect you in any way? Describe the experience.

Visual Representations

Muslims do not believe that Allah or the prophets should be visually represented. According to Islam, representations are misleading and even disrespectful. If Muhammad is shown in a painting, his face is hidden by a veil. Usually a flame is shown burning around his head; this is the flame of prophethood.

Why might representations of Allah and the prophets actually lead people away from Allah?