Before I take you deep into this topic, I would like you to agree with Butler (107), who observes that religion is one of the toughest and hardest topics to understand since no one single text and research has elucidated on which religion is superior to another. Although its role is much different in the world today as compared to hundred years ago, it still plays a fascinating role. Everyone now believes that continued evolution and dynamism has redefined what it was believed to be in the past. The ongoing war flare-ups, especially over Islam argue that the religion is dangerous and violent have resulted to overrepresentation in the media and has resulted in pooling of coalitions of right-wingers and other liberal “pundits” rising against Islam. For this reason, it is imperative to look at the Islam religion and understand what it is and what it stands for among other religions.
For those who believe that Islam is a violent war-loving religion, the definition has a surprise that it has its origin in the trilateral roots s-l-m, which essentially forms a class of words relating to the broad concepts of safeness, wholeness and peace (Caner & Caner 29). In the concept of religion, the term implies voluntarily submitting to God, the derivative, Muslim, implies an active disciple to the religion; hence, Muslims demonstrate their submission by serving God, rejecting polytheism and following His command.
For now, everyone should have an idea that the tradition of Islam developed in the Middle East in the 7th century by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as a demonstration of surrendering to Allah (God). The Muslims have one essential belief that keeps them united; that Allah is the one true God. For this reason, most scholars have concluded that, religions define people’s faith, values, and their motivations. However, other people understand that in the Islam religion, followers are the ones who define their religion rather than their religion defining them and their values since this religion does not provide values for the Muslims, but rather, the people bring their values in defining their religion (Hassan 24).
Additionally, one cannot say that they fully understand the Islam religion before understanding the theoretical and practical aspect of the pillars of Islam. There are five pillars of Islam, which act as a unifying factor and are the fundamental practices for the Muslims. The five practices include the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), fasting, a ritual procession of faith, the zakat (charity) and ritual prayer. Do not forget to note that, the primacy of the religious sites also defines Islam. The sacred places are Mecca, Jerusalem, and Medina. The Muslims normally gather at their different mosques to pray to Allah, worship and study the scripture. It is important to note that there is no distinct demarcation between the Muslim secular aspects of life and the religious aspects since all the life of a Muslim is oriented towards serving Allah.
Despite the documented facts about Islam, there exists a lot of scholarly work documented arguing and criticizing Islam in terms of beliefs and practices. Most of the criticism comes from other religions and even atheists; categorically, some Christians have regarded Islam as a radical heresy. Subjects of criticism in Islam have been morality of Muhammad and the authenticity and morality of the Quran, the Islam Holy book, yet the question remains on whether the other religions have a clear understanding on what the Quran states about the Islam life regarding the predestination and the divine preordainment. The Muslims believe that everything that happens in this world has been predestined to happened and no one or nothing can prevent unless if it is permitted by God.
As I round up this conversation, I believe all of you have noted that, Islam is a religion that has fallen under criticism from other religions worldwide due to its beliefs and traditions that seem to contradict. It is through understanding of the Quran, as a source of information, that some people like you would understand what Islam entails. Since the 7th century, Islam has been regarded as the oldest religions that believe in Allah as the only God with Muhammad as his prophet. The most vital guiding principles in Islam are the five pillars that guide the life of Muslims. Any questions please! In, case there are no questions, I would like to thank you for being with me in this presentation. Until next time, God Bless.
Works cited
Butler, Joseph. The analogy of religion. New York: F. Ungar Pub. Co., 1961. Print.
Caner, Ergun Mehmet, and Emir Fethi Caner. Unveiling Islam: an insider's look at Muslim life and beliefs. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2002. Print.
Hassan, Riaz. Inside Muslim minds. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 2008. Print.Butler, J. (1961).
