Muhammad
Muhammad was born in the Mecca in about 570 C.E. Muhammad taught one of the great religions of the world called Islam. Muhammad was living in Mecca when he experience his call to prophet hood. Muhammad's followers were called Muslims and eventually triumphed. Mecca soon became Islam's most sacred city. Muhammad was a merchant for 15 years and he cared about spiritual matters. Muhammad liked to spend time in prayer in the mountains. In about 610 C.E. Muhammad went to pray in a cave in the mountains and he received a call to become a prophet also known as messenger of God. Gabriel called Muhammad. In 613 C.E. Muhammad began to preach to other Makkahans. He wanted and encouraged people take care of orphans and the poor and to improve the woman's status. He also taught that all believers in God were equal, people should and must worship only one God, and the rich people should share their wealth. The Arabs called Muhammad a liar to prevent the spread of his messages. Other Arabs tortured some of his weaker followers. Muslims would and did not get up their faith.
Five Pillars of Faith
The first pillar of faith is Shahadah or belief, the second pillar of faith is Salat or prayer, the third pillar of faith is Zakat or almsgiving, the fourth pillar of faith is Siyam or fasting, and the fifth pillar of faith Hajj or pilgrimage.
The Qur'an, The Sunnah, and The Shari'ah
The Qur'an and the Sunnah are both a holy book that that guides Muslims in the Five Pillars of Faith. In the Qur'an, God describes his laws and moral teachings. It holds a central position for Muslims everywhere, guiding them in all aspects of their lives. The Qur'an also contains passages that Muhammad believed to have received from Gabriel. The Sunnah is the example that Muhammad set for the Muslims during his lifetime. For the Muslims, the Sunnah is the second only to the Qur'an in religious authority. The Qur'an provides general commands to preform these five pillars. The Sunnah explains how to perform them using Muhammad's examples. The Shari'ah is based off of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The Shari'ah cover the Muslims duties toward God and guides them to their personal behavior and relationship. Also the Shari'ah promotes obedience for others. The Shari'ah is a type of Islamic law. It helps Muslims live because of the teachings of the Qur'an, and it includes practices of daily life and the responsibility of respecting others.
The First Pillar of Faith: Shahadah, Belief
This picture is showing a muezzin calling the Muslim people to pray from a mosque's tower.
The Second Pillar of Faith: Salat, Prayer
This is a picture showing a mosque that muezzins climb up to call or chant prayer out over the town.
The Third Pillar of Faith: Zakat, Almsgiving
This is picture showing a child giving to the poor ot to the Zakat box. Throught the Zakat Muslims give to the poor and needy.
The Fourth Pillar: Siyam, Fasting
This is a picture showing people eating a feast of special foods and having a celebration because the holy month of Ramadan ended.
The Fifth Pillar: Hajj, Pilgrimage
This picture is showing pilgrims circling the Ka' ba seven times a day as directed to the Qur'an.
Islams Influence on Africa
