With the growing controversy in the country over the building of Mosques, including one near Ground Zero in Manhattan, and increased criticism of Islam.
During the past several years, Islam has been misunderstood worldwide. Even after nine years, there still seems to be a trend of Islam-phobia leading up to the anniversary of 9/11. The lack of knowledge allows people to make misjudgments. Too many do not understand my religion.
Lately in the news, there has been much discussion on whether or not Muslims are trying to take over the world. Being a young Muslim, I know that this is completely absurd. Islam simply means submission, and derives from a word meaning peace.
When a religion’s foundation is based upon peace, how can anyone judge it to be violent? Agreed, there are extremists in Islam, but isn’t that valid for every religion?
Such forms of extremism are created through misinterpretation of the Quran. One of the most common terms that seems to be misinterpreted is Jihad, which comes from the Arabic root word of struggle, or strive. It is allowed only under certain circumstances, for example, when a Muslim is stopped from delivering the message of Islam to its people. The fact that some might think that our religion is trying to take over America, is not comprehendible since all we try to do is spread the message, like all religions do.
Muslims believe there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. Its influence touches virtually every area of life — not only the spiritual, but the political and economic as well.
Like every religion, Islam has its guidelines by which every Muslim, one who follows the religion of Islam, must abide by. They are known as the Five Pillars of Islam. The first pillar is Shahadah, which is the declaration of faith, an exercise that is practiced by Muslims everyday.
The second pillar practiced everyday is called Salat. It is a physical form of worship, that must be practiced during the five designated times throughout the day.
The third pillar, takes place under the common idea that, all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Zakat requires a household to give 2.5 percent of its income and holdings to those in need annually.
Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar is when Muslims around the world fast for 30 days. To carry out these tasks is what makes up the fourth pillar.
The last pillar is to go on Hajj in Mecca, at least once in your lifetime. Hajj is the final act of submission, and allows people from different countries to come together under the name of Allah.
Muslims believe that Islam reached its definite form through the Prophet Muhammad. The prophet was thought to be a very peaceful and humble person, and just through the prophet’s characteristics, many converted to the religion of Islam.
-Agencies