What Is The World's Most Misunderstood Religion

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Islam is probably the world’s most misunderstood religion. Very different from what is often portrayed by mainstream media, it guides people through discipline and unity at its very roots. Dramatically spreading through the Western world, it is nearly a billion people strong. Greatly known for its strict and tough traditional rituals, every Muslim has certain duties to conduct throughout his everyday life. Acts of worship that every Muslim must perform in order to show his faith in God. These acts of worship are also known as the Five Pillars. They help people to practice and remind them of their very purpose in this world. These are mandatory to every Muslim at all times, unless the individual is unable to perform them due to sickness or age. …show more content…
Every Muslim is required to bow down with their palms open in front of their eyes. This gesture shows that they are praying to God and asking simple things from him. They recite certain passages from the Qu ‘ran and then rub their palms across their face to signify the completion of prayer. This gesture of rubbing their palms across their face also conveys that they are happy with their God. Often during the Friday prayers, the most knowledgeable and respected Muslim is chosen to be an Imam, the prayer leader. He stands at the front while everyone else bows behind him and recites the passages out loud.
One of the factors that differentiate Islam from other religions is that it separates normal prayers and other humble requests one may have. In Islam, the action of asking God or seeking God’s help for your personal requests is called supplication. These kinds of prayers do not count into the required five prayers every day. A person can pray for supplication anytime additional to the daily prayers but their requests have to be humble and must show certain moral standards. Also, the Qu ‘ran says that, “God has promised to listen to all of our sincere supplications and it does not mean that he answers all of …show more content…
In Arabic, it literally means to purify, poor due or charity. It requires every Muslim to donate around 2.5% of his annual income to local mosque. Both men and women who are above the age of puberty must perform this ritual. Any Muslim who is able and has the means to must pay zakat. This is believed to be God’s way of thinning the gap between the rich and the poor. As a rule, zakat is to be spent in local areas first. It helps promote equality and social welfare in the community. It spreads the feeling of love among the people.
The Qu ‘ran wants Muslims to pay zakat in a cheerful manner realizing that all “prosperity comes from Gods favor and grace”. Islam considers wealth to be a proof of faith in God or the lack of faith in God. The Qu ‘ran encourages Muslims to recognize their responsibility to God and that he needs help from his people to serve justice in the community. It also promises paradise to those who pay zakat, which in turn helps the needy and
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