Islam is a religion that is prominent throughout the whole world, specifically the Middle East.
Islam started when the man Muhammad started having visions telling him of clarity, he would go and meditate at mount HIra, then one day he was visited by Archangel Gabriel and told him to recite in the name of your lord, this started the many ideas and beliefs that would become the Qur’an. While overwhelmed by the event he found support in his family and a small group of people, but his strong monotheistic beliefs angered the merchants because they believed that the gods of trade protected them and this belief that there was one god angered them, so Muhammad was ostracized in his tribe, the only protection that he had was from his wife and uncle,
…show more content…
These 5 pillars are necessary for believers of Islam and are the basis of Muslim culture. They are five basic acts that all Muslims must accomplish. They are Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. Shahadah refers to the declaring to oneself that there is no god except for God Himself and that Muhammad is God’s messenger. Salat refers to praying 5 times a day. If a Muslim does not perform Salat everyday, they are considered to be a nonbeliever, or even a sinner. The 5 prayers must occur at the following times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), ʿAṣr (afternoon) t, Maghrib (evening), and ʿIshāʾ (night). They must all be performed while facing Mecca. However, the prayer can be performed anywhere. Zakat refers to the giving of 2.5% of one’s income to the poor and needy. Sawm refers to the fasting, or abstaining from food. One must not eat during the daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is based of the movements of the moon and therefore does not have a set calendar date. Finally, Hajj refers to the pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey every Muslim is expected to make at least once in their lifetime. This journey must be made in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and usually consists of walking around the Kaaba, in the center of which is the Black Stone. It is recommended that the Muslims touch the Stone, but it is often not possible due to the large number of pilgrims. One who has completed the pilgrimage is