Thus, it is clear that Muslims, irrespective of the denomination, pay much attention to the authority as this is one of the principal sources of discord. Sufi Muslims also pay more attention to the afterlife than Sunnis and Shiites do. They believe that God can be closer to people, and people can communicate with Allah. Sufi Muslims are more concerned about the spiritual component of the religion. As to Sufi, this is not a plentiful denomination compared to the two mentioned above.
The different views in this area led to the development of some specific hadith although the two denominations share a lot in common. However, Sunni Muslims insist that the caliph should be chosen among the most knowledgeable and just. Shiite Muslims believe that the leader (caliph) should be a descendant of Ali, who was a blood relative with Muhammed as Shiites think that revelation can come to descendants of the enlightened person. The major difference between the Sunnis and Shiites is their views on the choice of the leader. Sunni Muslims represent the largest group although, in some countries, (for example, Iraq) Shiite Muslims constitute the majority of the population (Robinson, 2013). Like many other religions, Islam is divided into several schools and denominations. The Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi Branches of Islam The abstinence from pleasures makes people purified and enlightened. They spend a significant part of the nights of Ramadan praying, which makes them stronger believers. Muslim people fast during the daytime and can eat only after the sunset. The importance of this month cannot be overestimated as it is the time when Muslims spend a lot of time praying and thinking of spiritual things. This is the ninth month of the lunar year, which means that Ramadan does not have a fixed date. Ramadan is the month when Muhammed received the revelation. The Importance of Ramadan in IslamĪs has been mentioned above, Ramadan is associated with purification in many respects. These five pillars are based on the principles of deep faith, self-growth, and purification. The fifth Pillar is the pilgrimage (or haji) to Mecca (Keepin, 2016). The fourth pillar is fasting during Ramadan, which is also associated with purification. Muslims give away a part of their wealth to those in need. The third pillar is also referred to as zakat meaning growth as well as purification through giving. The second pillar is concerned with the daily practice of praying. The first part means that the person accepts that only God can be worshiped, and the second part means that the person accepts that only Muhammed’s teachings are true (Keepin, 2016). Proclaiming shahadah (that involves two parts) means being a Muslim. The first pillar, shahadah, is the testimony of faith.
The Five Pillars of Islam can be regarded as basic values of Muslims that include shahadah, prayer, alms tax, fasting, and the pilgrimage. Besides, Qur’an is also seen as an artwork as Muslims reproduce the verses on walls and other surfaces using beautiful calligraphy. At that, Qur’an is used in Muslim daily life as the verses (suras) provided in the book are used during daily rituals. It is believed that the book was written based on the teachings of Muhammad who heard the revelations from the angel Gabriel (Robinson, 2013). This Holy book is of paramount significance to Islam as it is the core of the religion, as well as the cultural tradition of the Muslim world (Keepin, 2016).įirst, Qur’an is the book of revelations that are the basis of Muslim people’s values. Qur’an can be regarded as the most important source of knowledge within the Islamic religion. The Qur’an and Its Significance to the Religion It is also necessary to identify the difference between two major denominations to understand one of the most important features of this religion. When considering Islam, it is important to take a closer look at the main book of Islam (Qur’an), the main values (Five Pillars), and Ramadan. One of the central postulates of the Islamic religion is to do the right things and be a righteous person who follows the laws created by God. Islam is a monotheistic religion that teaches people to be righteous and bring good to this world. Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, and, like any other, religion it involves certain values and conventions that guide people throughout their lives.
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