My View on Islam

Before taking this class and receiving pertinent information regarding the Nation of Islam, I was not aware of the religions beliefs or the way they praised. There are not many similarities in this religion and my religion which is Christian. The Nation of Islam, however, does believe in God, they believe that Elijah Muhammad is a prophet of God. However, the differences lie much deeper than that. With all the research that has been done on this religion, I have come to discover that Islam and the Nation of Islam are two different religions. Islam is a religion that is accepting to all races and participates in the worship of one unseen God who, Orthodox Muslims believe never took human form. The Nation of Islam, on the other hand, is more of a movement geared towards the African American race and teaches that God appeared in the form of Fard Muhammad. Muslims have to pray five times a day facing the Kaaba [a black stone building in Mecca that is shaped like a cube and that is the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine.] in Mecca, Arabia. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was the first house of worship ever placed on the face of the Earth dedicated to the worship of one God. They do not worship the Kaaba; nonetheless, it serves as a central focal point for Muslims around the world, unifying them in worship and symbolizing their common belief, spiritual focus and direction. Interestingly enough, the Kaaba’s interior is empty. This aspect of their worship was intriguing and I knew at that moment that I would have to include this question within my interview process.
Having researched this religion has opened my eyes to many new experiences that many people have converted to. A convert has more advantages than a born Muslim because a convert becomes a Muslim after a great deal of research has been obtained and therefore considering changing religions is not an easy task it shows that a convert has a great deal of courage and effort as a born Muslim just inherits the

References: Encyclopedia Britannica (2006). Islam. Retrieved January 27, 2006, from http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9105852 Rieber, N. The Nation of Islam. Retrieved January 28, 2006, from http://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-nation-of-islam.htm Sayyid, R. (1992). An Introduction to Islam. Retrieved January 27, 2006, from http://www.al-islam.org/begin/intro/rizvi.html White, Hakimah (2006). Interviewee World Fact Book (2005). Retrieved January 28, 2006, from http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2122.html