Muhammed was born into a poor family in Mecca. One day while in a cave, the angel Gabriel came to him, and the words he spoke to him are written down in the the Islam holy book called Koran. Throughout his life he visited places to pray. He was banished to Medina for his teachings. In Medina he taught the word of Allah, the god of Islam, and drew many converts. Later, in 622 A.D. he won more converts by winning a battle with Mecca with a short number of followers in his army. The teachings of Muhammed attracted numerous followers. He often told his disciples that he was an ordinary man as they were, teaching them to believe in Allah and His revelations.
The Five Pillars of Islam are:(1) The profession of faith- shahada- there is no god but Allah, and Muhammed is his messanger. (2) The cnonival prayer or worship- salat- pray 5 times a day at fixed hours, preceded by absolutions, and with slight variants according to different legal rights. (3) the fast- sawm- fast for month of Ramadan, fixed by the visual observation of crescent moon, with abstinence by day from all eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual excitement. (4) the legal tithe- zakat- as distinguished from the voluntary charitable alms and customary alms at begginning of the fast. (5) the pilgrimage to Mecca and to Medina, where the prophet Muhammed's tomb is venerated.(jihad)- often called the 6th pillar, jihad is a struggle in the way of Allah
Alcohol and drugs are considered abominations. Anything that covers, hinders, or alters the mind is strictly prohibited and forbidden.
Islam believes that sexuality is part of our identity as human beings. Sexual relations, however, are confined to marriage between wife and husband.
The Islamic people are taught to be honest to theirself and others. Honesty includes telling the truth in all situations, fulfilling a promise, giving the right advice, sincerity in work, objective judgements, and giving every person his due rights.
Islam makes it clear to not leave the poor on their own. Every person must donate 2.5% of all of thier possesions each year.
Muslums are to recognize that wealth, earnings, and material goods are the property of Allah, and we are merely His trustees. Muslums are told to be responsible in spending money and not waste it.
The human condition of Islam-The Quran presents the creation and fall of man in a way similar to the Judeo-Christian tradition. All people sin because of the passion to which they are subjected by Iblis(Satan) and because they are careless about the demands of the Quran.
