Our Long Journey with Mystery Pt 5 Islam

Our Long Journey into Mystery Part 5 Islam

This is  a short reflection on the 5th of six of the world's great Faith Traditions.It is also the 3rd of the Western Monetheistic Religions to be considered.

 It is important to realise that it  is based on a series of short articles designed to introduce people to each Faith Tradition. These are written for a mainly Western and/.or Christian based audience. TRherefore, the reflection merely attempts to introduce some main and/or major aspects of each Tradition.

This one focuses on Islam a tradition that has given so much in the areas of science, art, mathematics and spirituality that has been added  to the store of inherited  wisdom that 'feeds' our human family.

ISLAM -  Peace & Submission to Allah ‘There is no other God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of God ‘ (The Shahada)

The Shahada is a declaration of faith for Muslims who are followers of Islam a rich and deeply spiritual Faith Tradition.  Islam, which means submission and has roots in the word Salaam or peace, is a faith which encourages believers to submit to the One God ‘Allah’ the Merciful.  Its emblem of the Crescent Moon and Star symbolises the essence of Islam contained in this quote –‘let Islam guide you through life as the stars and the moon guides a traveller over the desert.’

It was founded by the prophet Muhammad – ‘Peace be upon him’ (570-632)- who lived in Mecca in Suadi Arabia and is now the most sacred and holy place for Muslims . When he was 40 he was meditating in a cave and received a ‘message’ from an angel. After that, and throughout his life, he received a series of messages from God and these eventually formed the Muslim Holy Book – the Qu’ran. This together with the Sunnah and Hadith – which contain details of the sayings and actions of the Prophet, form the basis and guidance for all aspects of life for Muslims. 

Muhammad – Peace be upon him, was persecuted during his life, but his exemplary life and the clarity of his message build up a considerable body of followers. His followers have spread the message of Islam to all corners of the world and it is now a truly great Faith Tradition. A Muslim’s life and faith is built on the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM  and these form a firm basis for life. These five pillars are :

1.   The Shahada -  When a Muslim recites this, proclaiming that Allah is the only God, and that Muhammad is his prophet; they undertake to obey  all the commitments of Islam in their life

2.  Salat      These are the obligatory prayers that God ordered Muslims to pray at five set times of day. These are at; dawn, midday, the late part of the afternoon, just after sunset and  between sunset and midnight

3. Zakat      This is the 3rd Pillar. It is the compulsory giving of a set proportion(2.5%) of one's wealth to charity. It is a reminder to Muslims of the importance of obeying and acknowledges that everything comes from Allah and is merely on loan.  It reminds the faithful of their obligation and  need to be compassionate and loving to others as well as themselves.

4. Sawm.  This is fasting. Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During the hours of daylight for the 30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up food or drink of any sort, smoking and sexual activity. Muslims who are physically or mentally unwell, those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling are excused.

5.   Hajj    For Muslims, the Hajj is the fifth and final Pillar.   Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kaaba in Mecca and   praise Allah together. It is a ritual designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. It is also a practice and 'duty' designed   to help  Muslims both understand and experience the  real importance of life here on earth, and the afterlife. It strips away all markers of social status, wealth, and pride. It is the journey that every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically able.

Muslims believe in something called "Ummah" or "one community".  Consequently they see fellow Muslims as being part of their family.  However, just like other Faith Traditions there are different groups. The differences within Islam began in the 7th Century when the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) died. These differences are mainly centred on the succession and the rule of the Caliphs (successors) of the Prophet and on some writings.

Shia. Some Muslims wanted Muhammad's son in law, Ali, to succeed Muhammad. This group are known as Shia and are followers of Ali – the fourth caliph. Although they accept the 5 Pillars, they have additional ‘pillars’

Sunni.  Those who wanted a friend of Muhammad's (called Abu Bakr) to succeed Muhammad are known as Sunni. The Sunnis comprise about 80% of the world’s Muslims. Sunnis and Shi'tes have different versions of the Hadith (the book of Mohammad's sayings.) In turn, this means they have a slightly different understanding of Islam. 

Sufis.  This is a relatively small contemplative branch of Islam that conveys and embodies the mystical tradition of Islam.

Islam has contributed so much to humanity, both as a Faith Tradition and in architecture, science and art. I end with this short reflection with a story on humility as told about the Prophet (Peace be upon Him).  -  

The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions landed from their rides and laid the loads down. It was decided that they would sacrifice a lamb for dinner. One of the companions volunteered: "I will sacrifice the lamb."  Another: "I will skin it."  A third: "I will cook it." and so on.  The Prophet (Peace be upon Him.) said: "I will gather the wood from the desert." The group responded “O Messenger of Allah, it is not becoming of you to discomfort yourself as such. You rest. We will be honoured to do all this on our own." The Prophet (Peace be upon Him.) replied: "I know that you are eager to do it all, but Allah isn't pleased with the servant who distinguishes between himself and his companions, and considers himself better than others." Then he went to the desert, and gathered some wood, and brought it to the group.