The book of knowledge

Lets learn religion in deapth, part 2.

In this part we will be focusing on the second largest religion,islam:
The basic essentials in "The Practice of Islam" are summed up in the five pillars of faith.

The confession of faith (Shaháda), i.e. the recitation of the 'Kalima' (= word). "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger (apostle) of Allah".
Prayer (Salat) [in arab. the 't' at the end is not pronounced]. This is the duty of every Muslim (able to do so). The prescribed ritual prayers five times daily, at prescribed times, with the prescribed posture, have to be observed. During these five prayers a fixed prayer-text must be recited seventeen times altogether (twice in the morning; four times at noon; four times in the afternoon; three times in the evening and four times at night). This is called by many Persian and Indian Muslims 'namaz'. The wording of this prayer is found in the appendix.
The giving of alms (Zakat) [again the 't' is not pronounced] is a religious duty and should amount to not less than 2.5% of the income above ones needs.
Keeping the Fast during the month of Ramadaan (Sawm) is a duty for all, except the sick, travellers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. The fast is to last from the rising of the sun until sunset.
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is required once in a lifetime during the month of Zu'l-Hijjah, if the means allow this. There is also a minor pilgrimage (Umra), which is performed at other times. We ought to realize that very considerable cost is involved in a pilgrimage, quite apart from the travel fare.
(6.) Some add to this the Holy War (Jihaad). Today in the West this concept is often interpreted as 'the spreading of your faith'.
CONFESSION OF FAITH

The first part is recited to confess that there is no God worthy of worship and obedience than the one and only living God.

The second part affirms that Muhammad is the final and last prophet and messenger of Allah. It is believed that his teachings are for all mankind and for all time. All former prophets have been appointed for one nation only and for a specific time only. Their teaching is no longer valid. Muhammad replaced it with the word from Allah, the Qur'an. Muslims believe that, although the prophets preached about the same, only Muhammad's words and actions are preserved correctly up to today.

The declaration of the Crees is the entrance to Islam. By virtue of reciting it in Arabic a person becomes a Muslim. Therefore some Muslims try to make a learner of Arabic, or a Christian who knows some Arabic, recite it. "This is a solemn affirmation, declaration, pledge or a formal agreement that is legally binding to a Muslim who claims to be a member of the Islamic Brotherhood."

From the early childhood a Muslim will confess the unity of Allah and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad. With these statements he is immunised against all other religious influences from outside Islam. It is indeed difficult to break through this barrier of indoctrination. Every Muslim has to believe in the creed, otherwise he is not regarded a Muslim . Therefore, a Muslim who is suspected to have become a Christian will often be asked to recite the Kalima.