Islam Paper Sociology Final
Understanding the Islamic Culture its Origin and its Role in the World
Kimberly Sheldon, RN
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Professor Donnisha Lugo
Understanding the Islamic Culture its Origin and its Role in the World
Islamic studies has become a subject of strategic importance in our multicultural society. With all of the political upheaval and ever present fear of extremism and terrorism in the world today, it is essential to promote the understanding of Islam and the role Muslims have in the contemporary world. To do this, one must first have an understanding of the culture and religious tenets surrounding Islam, compare and contrast these beliefs with Christianity and Judaism, and discuss how the perceptions or misperceptions of Islam may affect the way Muslims and non-Muslims communicate or interact with one another.
Islam is a comprehensive and global religion comprising every aspect of life. Its foundation is built on the Five Pillars of Islam. It has a distinct culture that is based on the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. “Central to the scholars’ consensus was the recognition that the Quran and Sunna are the main sources of divine guidance” (Hefner, 2014). These holy scripts are known collectively as the Sharia, the divinely appointed path or way. Today it is considered Islamic law and provides Muslims with guidance in matters of devotion, piety and family relations.
The Five Pillars also called the Five Tenets of Islam are Shahadah, Salat, Saum, Zakat, and Hajj. The first Tenet, Shahadah, is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God through the practice of Muhammad. Muslims believe that following the teachings of Islam is the only way to attain true happiness, now and in the afterlife, and that all requirements that Muhammad has asked of them to do, or refrain from them doing, is to better themselves.
One of the ways Muslims honor Allah is through the second Tenet Salat, or prayer. The Muslim culture requires
Kimberly Sheldon, RN
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Professor Donnisha Lugo
Understanding the Islamic Culture its Origin and its Role in the World
Islamic studies has become a subject of strategic importance in our multicultural society. With all of the political upheaval and ever present fear of extremism and terrorism in the world today, it is essential to promote the understanding of Islam and the role Muslims have in the contemporary world. To do this, one must first have an understanding of the culture and religious tenets surrounding Islam, compare and contrast these beliefs with Christianity and Judaism, and discuss how the perceptions or misperceptions of Islam may affect the way Muslims and non-Muslims communicate or interact with one another.
Islam is a comprehensive and global religion comprising every aspect of life. Its foundation is built on the Five Pillars of Islam. It has a distinct culture that is based on the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. “Central to the scholars’ consensus was the recognition that the Quran and Sunna are the main sources of divine guidance” (Hefner, 2014). These holy scripts are known collectively as the Sharia, the divinely appointed path or way. Today it is considered Islamic law and provides Muslims with guidance in matters of devotion, piety and family relations.
The Five Pillars also called the Five Tenets of Islam are Shahadah, Salat, Saum, Zakat, and Hajj. The first Tenet, Shahadah, is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God through the practice of Muhammad. Muslims believe that following the teachings of Islam is the only way to attain true happiness, now and in the afterlife, and that all requirements that Muhammad has asked of them to do, or refrain from them doing, is to better themselves.
One of the ways Muslims honor Allah is through the second Tenet Salat, or prayer. The Muslim culture requires
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