Perspectives On Islam Summary

On October 29, Professor Samir Bitar and Professor Berry Ferst presented a presentation called Perspectives on Islam. The presentation offered a unique opportunity for the students of Carroll College and the community of Helena to learn of the culture and the religion of Islam. Professor Bitar offered a broad overview of the Islamic tradition as it is practiced in general, and of how it looks in his own life as a Muslim in Montana. Professor Ferst then goes on to talk about the history of Islam in America. It is interesting to learn that Islam is not very far away, but is, and has been practiced in the United States since colonization. Professor Bitar began his section by sharing a little about his life. He is a Palestinian, an American …show more content…
The five pillars are the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, giving charity and going on the pilgrimage to Mecca once in their life. Firstly, every Muslim must recite the Shahadah which says "There is no God but Allah; Mohammed is His messenger". This declares a belief in one God, denoting monotheism, and that Mohammed is Allah's prophet. Second, every Muslim must pray five times a day facing Mecca, the Holy City. This prayer is called Salah. Prayer is used to inspire man and to help prevent temptation from sneaking into his mind. Thirdly, fasting must be practiced, especially during the month of Ramadan. Sawm, or fasting, is the forfeiting of food, drink and any desire in order to get closer to Allah. In other words, not letting these things come in the way of Allah. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daylight hours. Zakat, or charity is the customary giving of a percent of one's wages. If a person cannot give charity because they are in need, that is fine. It is not a sin, "bad" or shameful to be poor in Islamic tradition. Finally, every Muslim, if possible, needs to make the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Every follower must do this in their lifetime, unless they are unable to due to limitations such as finances or lack of physical ability. During the Hajj, Muslims follow the steps of Mohammed and perform many …show more content…
He said many times that he was taught growing up that there is no cohersion in religion (Qur'an 2:256) and that ultimately your faith is between you and Allah. This has been perverted in the past decade by the media's portrayal of the middle east and especially with the Islamic State. He clarifies this by quoting the Qur'an Sura 3:110 which says that Islam is to make a just state, one that is an example for mankind and not an Islamic state which disregards the world. From this he began to talk about the diversity of Muslims. Islam is constant, like Christianity is constant, the word stays the same, but people interpret it differently. The interpretation is dependent on culture and upbringing. This is how you get radical groups such as the IS. Studying an Islamic group and concluding all Muslims are like the IS is "like studying a Christian group and concluding all Christians are like the 'KKK'". So ultimately, if someone wants to understand Islam, that person needs to study Islam, not Muslims. I think that this point is very important and can be used with just about every religion, and subject, out

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