In visiting the Islamic Mosque yesterday, I learned a great deal about the Islamic faith. Since 9/11, there have been many negative connotations around the word “Muslim.” I was even taught, before 9/11 ever happened, that Muslims were raised to hate Christians. At the Mosque, I learned something completely different.
The Imam taught us about the different kinds of Muslims. The first are the Muslims who are Muslims simply because they were born that way. They don’t have any concept of Mohammed, they have never read the Qur’an, and they are not familiar with the 5 Pillars. If you were to ask them anything of the Islamic faith, they would not be able to answer.
The second kind of Muslim is the practicing Muslim. These Muslims practice the Islamic faith, but they are not full believers. They don’t truly believe in the prophet Mohammed, they don’t take the Qur’an to heart, and they don’t practice the 5 Pillars. They practice Islam, but they don’t fully believe.
The third kind of Muslim is the Faithful Believer. These Muslims practice the 5 Pillars:
1. One God only. Mohammed is the messenger.
2. 5 Prayers a day: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, evening
3. Fast one month of the year based on the lunar calendar. No food or drink from dawn until sunset.
4. Pay charity: 2 1/2 % of their savings, not income.
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
Faithful Muslims also believe in the following 6 things:
1. Oneness of God
2. Belief in angels of God
3. All prophets and messengers: Mohammed, Abraham, etc
4. All 3: Qur’an, Torah, Bible
5. Everything is under the control of God. There are no accidents or coincidences- Hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis- all under God’s control.
6. Judgment Day, Resurrection: Paradise or Hell Fire
The Imam also spoke about the differences of Muslims vs. other faiths. Muslims believe that God wants everyone to be on the same level, that all may know each other despite their differences. Differences don’t have to make everyone enemies.
He also spoke of the reason a woman must cover her head. They practice this because it says in the Qur’an that a woman must cover her hair, and one who chooses not to cover her hair must shave it off. Women are not required to cover their hair, but not doing so will be between her and God on judgment day. In addition to women covering their heads, the men are encouraged to wear a beard. Again, he is not required to do so, but it is strongly encouraged.
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