The Five Pillars of Islam

1. It is central to a Muslim's identity and practice of the Islamic faith because it proclaims the belief in the oneness of Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet.

2. It allows them to participate in a worldwide fellowship.

3. It shows that they believe that those who have much should help lift the burden of those who are less fortunate.

4. Those who fast are able to relate to people who endure hunger everyday. Fasting underscores the creature's dependence on God. It calls one back to one's frailty and dependence. It also sensitizes compassion.

5. I think the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith because it strengthens people's devotion to God. This practice is different from other world religions because most world religions do not make it a fundamental requirement to venture off to a holy site. There are sites that tie back to the importance of the religion's practices, but there isn't a place that followers have to visit. The hajj is similar to some world religions Mecca symbolizes a holy site where followers pay their respects, just like other religions honor holy sites for their religious devotion.

6. I think praying five times a day is a challenge this day and age because people may not always be in the right situation to come out and pray. Fasting is a challenge because there are so many tempting places to help satisfy the cravings.

Names of God

            The title “The Compassionate” describes a God who exudes endless amounts of love for his children. He will do anything for the sake of each person’s well being. Despite our constant mistakes, he never fails to cast His love upon us. His kind spirit is seen in the daily blessings and miracles we experience. He is compassionate for giving us the blessing so of free will and intellect. He did not have to give us the freedom to think and act on our own. In doing so, he risked receiving devout obedience from us. In spite of it all, God still bestowed us with the capacity to be in control of our lives. And even though we are extremely vulnerable to sin, he still accepts us when we sin and hurt Him. He welcomes us with warm arms because he has unconditional love for us.

            The title “The All-Knowing” is feminine because mothers are seen to be the comforter who knows the answer to everything. Mothers hold a role where they serve as the caretaker for all. In order to be a caretaker, one has to be capable to tackle the many occurrences that can conflict one’s family. A mother knows when to choose sternness over lightheartedness in a situation. She knows how to advise her children so they can be on the right path. Her sole intent is to see her kids perform at their best so they can fulfill God’s plan. In that, she has to be aware of many things so they can make God happy. In relation, God is a caretaker for his children. Being a caretaker makes him all-knowing. In order for Him to propel us in a positive direction God has to be aware of everything.

            The title “The Sovereign” defines someone who is in control over their power. To be sovereign is to have control over one’s affairs. One who is sovereign is all-powerful over a specific subject. Traditionally, men are viewed to be the all-powerful characters in society. In the past and in today’s world, it is more common to see men in the powerful positions. Naturally, many people see men as the ones who have the leverage to speak words into action. Men are able to make things happen because they embody strength in performance. They are able to physically move things, but they are able to support and maintain units (families, companies, or countries). A man is supposed to use his power to generate prosperity. Like the shared view of men’s sovereignty, God is sovereign in his Creation. He has power over His creation and He is in full ownership of his power. No one is able to take his power because of the strong immensity it holds. He uses his power so he can ensure His desired vision for humanity. If He does not utilize His power, then our true potential would not be feasible.

            The title “The Protector” instantly speaks masculinity. Men are viewed as the protectors of the children and women. Their strength is the power that enables them to produce security. Men provide security through their protection from harm. Men serve as the ones who will fend for their beloveds. They are physically strong, so their bodies make it possible for them to protect people from violence. But they also provide security through financial assistance. In the past, men were seen as the ones who made the money to bring home to the family. Their efforts made it possible for the family to eat and enjoy being a strong unit. Men are also seen as the ones who protect their children before they go out into the world as adults. They advise and shield their children so they can grow into dignifies people. Like modern men, God is the protector for all of his Creation. He makes it possible for nature to flourish and nourish the bodies of human beings. He ensures the vitality of every human life. He uses that spirit to engulf us in his grace so we can live out His plan for us.

            “The Compassionate”, “The All-Knowing”, “The Sovereign”, and “The Protector” accurately refer to the same God because He is a God of many attributes. God is our mother and father in one. He serves as the source of warmness when we need assurance. He is omniscient in his ability to guide us down the correct path. He is omnipotent so he can live in a world that is up to his standards. He is protective of his children because we are His flock and we shall follow according to His will. God is the light, the way, and the path. He is a melting pot of many attributes because he reflects the humane qualities that make up our beings. 

Islam Webquest

Task #1
1. 2.1 billion people
2. Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, and Indonesia.
3. Indonesia has the most Muslims.
4. There are 2,595,000 Muslims in the United States.

Task #2
1. Muslims must believe in one God.
2. They must believe in the angels of God.
3. They must believe in the books of God, especially the Koran.
4. They must believe in the prophets of God, especially Muhammad.
5. They must believe in the Day of Judgement.
6. They must believe in the supremacy of God's will.

The best struggle is when someone sacrifices his well being for the sake of Allah.
God is more forgiving to his creation than a mother is to her child.
A perfect Muslim is someone who uses their words and actions to keep humanity safe.

Task #3
1. The Koran provides human beings with wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc. It also establishes what a good relationship with God looks like. It also provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.
2. The Koran exists only in Arabic.
3. It was sent down during the month of Ramadan.
4. The angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to read and he said that he was not a reader. So the angel Gabriel taught him some verses from the Koran and Muhammad memorized them.

Task #4
1. The Five Pillars of Faith: Testimony of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting. and pilgrimage. In order to perform the Testimony of Faith one must recite the quote, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Muslims pray five times a day. The prayer can be recited anywhere, and they must face Mecca. Almsgiving is a way to care for the poor. Fasting is done so Muslims can reflect on their spiritual lives. In doing this they can repent for their sins and dedicate themselves back to Allah. The pilgrimage to Mecca is seen as an expression of devout faith.
2. They are important because they will strengthen their faith and service to Allah.
3. It's impossible to cheat on the Five Pillars because each person is in submission to God, making it necessary that they devote themselves fully.
4. The Five Pillars is similar to Christianity because Christians are expected to pray, to give to the poor, to recite a creed, and to fast during Lent.

Task #5
1. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, in which the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance for the people. Muslims show their acknowledgement by fating during daylight hours.
2. They are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day, the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends.
3. It can be destroyed by the telling of a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, and greed or covetousness.
4. Muslims celebrate the Lavlat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power).
5.It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking).gggg
6. The Koran was first revealed in this month, the gates of heaven are open, and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in hell.
7. The devils have been chained in Hell, so he can't tempt believers.

Task #6
1. The star and the crescent symbol originally came from the Ottoman empire.
2. White, black, green, and red are dominate colors for Arab flags.
3. Green is an important color in Islam.
4. Islamic art is not restrained to religious subjects like Christianity.
5. Islamic art focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings, and not their physical qualities.
6. . Islamic divorce rules favor men.
7. The Muslim call to prayer are the first words a newborn Muslim baby should hear.
8.The baby's first taste should be something sweet.
9. After seven days, the baby's head is shaved.
10. It is tradition to choose the baby's name on the seventh day.