I am a Muslim and the tenets of my faith help to guide my decision-making every day. The tenets of Islam are: “the profession of faith, Salat (prayer), Zakat (alms giving), Siyam (fasting, particularly during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca once in the lifetime)” (Ibrahim 1). These are meant to keep a Muslim’s soul clean of sin and to remember Allah always during each day. I remember that I would not want to make Allah angered with me for not following his laws. The Prophet has put down the instruction that saves all from Hell and brings them to Heaven according to their deeds, for this life is a test for mankind from Allah. I do not want to fail the test, therefore I take into account Allah’s laws and restrictions before I do anything. I abstain from alcohol, pork, and activities that would diminish my good reputation and that of my family name.
Some conflicts that have arisen for me is that some of my friends are non-Muslims and it is hard to stay away from them when I like them. I want to have good friends but I have a conflict between my religious faith and the influence of non-Muslims, especially those who are absolutely not interested in Islam. It is my duty as a Muslim to try to bring all people to the true faith, but sometimes it is hard to fulfill this and I just want to be a regular person hanging out with my friends. I feel bad about it.
Other religions such as that of the Book religions have said terrible things about Islam and those who are Muslims. They tend to equate terrorism with Islam. I try to do my best to convince those around me that terrorism is not what the religion of peace is about. However, I often wonder if they listen to me at all. It is a struggle to remain kind to others and to treat them with respect when they behave like this toward my beloved faith in Allah. I get very frustrated and sometimes over react with anger in defense of Islam. It is something I am not proud of but I am standing up for the truth and inside I know that is what matters. In this I have learned how intolerant the other religions of the Book can be. Not every religious person of another belief system is like this, but a majority of them are. Islam requires maintaining peace, and I attempt to do this. However, when others try to spread destructive views of Islam I must rectify them with the truth or else it is a sin.
My family is Muslim and I was raised Muslim. It is a treasured tradition in my familial home. This helped me to understand my faith completely and also adhere to the Five Pillars easily, since I practiced them every day alongside others. The study of and memorization of the Surahs of the Qu’ran are ways to keep the words of Allah in the heart. I am still working on this. It is important to me. My upbringing and fellow brothers and sisters at the Mosque are what keep me going strong as a Muslim regardless of the challenges I face in daily life. I feel that the five daily prayers and dedication to Allah that I have grown up with around me have instilled Islam in my intellect and heart that I will always be strong against all issues that could come up against me.
Works Cited
Ibrahim, I. A. What Are the Five Pillars of Islam? Islam Guide Online. n.d. Web. 28 June 2015.
