ISLAM

Islam is a monotheistic religions (belief in one

being)tradition that originated in the Middle East in the
7th century. Islam was founded on the teachings of
prophet Mohammad as an expression of submission to the
will of Allah the creator and sustainer of the world.

The Quran is the sacred text of Islam containing the

teachings of the Prophet Mohammed that were revealed
to him from Allah.Moslems believe that Allah is the one
and true God with no partner or equal. Islam has several
branches and varieties within those branches.

The two branches are;

Sunni and Shi’a

Islam has five pillars which include;

1.Profession of Faith
2.Ritual prayer (they pray five times a day)
3.The Zakat (charity)
4.Fasting
5.Hijj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
Profession of Faith/ testifying for Allah

This is a sign of conviction showed through testifying

with the statement.

“La ilahailla Allah,Mohammad urrasoolu Allah.”

Meaning, there is no God but Allah.Mohammad is the

messenger of God. “This is a demonstration of
Monotheism.

ZAKAT

This means giving a certain percentage of ones property

to the needy.

When people cut off excess wealth by giving to the

poor, they create room for new growth.

This is a form of charity/alms and is given voluntarily.

 It promotes economic empowerment of the needy.

 Sharing is promoted
 Social problems are solved

 Promotes the spirit of belonging.

FASTING
During the holy month of Ramadan, which occurs on the
ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, all
Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink
from dawn to dusk for 30 days. ... Fasting during
Ramadan means abstinence from all food or drink,
including water and chewing gum, from dawn to sunset.12
Apr 2021

Fasting enables Muslims to sympathise with those in the

world who have little or no God.

It enables Muslims to feel closer to their creator.

It promotes self control and good morals.

Fasting detoxifies the body,leads to weight loss,

It brings people together because those who have can

share food with those who donot have.

It promotes charity in society

Sharing as a value is promoted.

A spirit of brother hood in the Muslim community is

promoted.

The following are exempted from fasting ;

The sick,the elderly,the young,the pregnant and those

on medication.

Moslems pray five times a day.

Muslims pray five times a day. Each takes few minutes
to perform. It’s a direct link between the worshipper
and God. There are no intermediaries between God and
the worshipper.

Prayer time is 1. dawn,2. noon, 3.mid-afternoon, 4.

sunset,5. night time.

Prayer can take place anywhere even at work place.

There is a feeling of happiness, peace, and confert

because God is pleased with the worshipper.

GOOD PRACTICES IN ISLAMIC PRAYER

 Cleaning before prayer which promotes hygiene.

 Washing the mouth before prayer for a fresh/clean
breath
 Bathing with left hand for more hygine
 Physical actions keeps one fit.
 Meditation gives people peace
 Congregational prayers promote togetherness
 Many prayer times breaks stress in the course of
the day.

Islam has holy places which are so central in their faith.

They include.Medina Mecca Jerusalem
This is every one’s obligation once in a life time. About
2million people visit annually during the twelfth month of
the Islamic calendar. Male pilgrims wear special simple
clothes to control distinctions of class and culture
because they are all equal before God.

Many Muslims visit Mecca annually.Its one of the pillars.

Muslims gather in Mosques to worship ALLAH through

prayers and reading the Quran

OTHER GOOD PRACTICES IN ISLAM

 Decent dressing especially for women

 Nutrition which involves prohibiting some food stuff.
 Quick burial reduces expenses.
 Avoiding alcohol improves one’s health
 Circumcision improves hygiene for men.
 Property in heritance law reduces conflicts at death
 No interest on borrowed money. Eid cerebrations
bring people together and promotes charity.

Question. Identify five similarities and five differences

between Islam and Christianity.

2.What do you like most about Islam?