Foundations of Religion - Major World Religions The Six Beliefs
As a Muslim, you are expected to believe that: 1. Allah is the one and only true God. 2. Angels are the messengers of Allah. 3. The Qur’an is the final and complete revelation of Allah. 4. Muhammad was the last and the greatest prophet of Allah. 5. This world will be brought to an end by Allah on a day of his choosing.
6. Allah will reward the good by welcoming them into heaven and punish the wicked by sending them to hell.
REMEMBER! Keep in mind that Muslims worship only Allah. Muslims do not worship Muhammad.
The way in which Muslims put these six beliefs into practice is by following the Five Pillars of Faith.
The Five Pillars of Faith If you are a Muslim, it is essential that you fulfil these five obligations.
As a Muslim, you are expected to base your whole life upon the Five Pillars. They help to shape your ways of thinking and acting so that you can truly submit to the will of Allah. They are:
1st Pillar – Shahadah
You must believe and openly proclaim, ‘There is no God but Allah. Muhammad is the prophet of Allah.’
2nd Pillar – Salah
You must turn toward Makkah and pray to Allah five times each day. You must attend the local mosque at midday each Friday to pray with your fellow Muslims.
3rd Pillar – Zakah You must give generously to charity. You have two ways of doing this: ò Donate a sum of money on your own initiative.
ò Have one-fortieth of your income collected each year to educate the poor and care for the sick.
4th Pillar – Sawm
You must fast to develop self-discipline. Do not eat or drink during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan (i.e. the ninth month of the Muslim calendar).
A Muslim man turns towards Makkah to pray. 243
SECTION C
REMEMBER! An obligation is a duty you must live up to.
