by Ahmad Salman

Created on: May 13, 2008

Standing as one of the most influential and fastest growing belief system of our time is the religion of Islam. Islam was birthed from the teachings and life of the Prophet Muhammad. The five central pillars of the faith, the role and importance of the Prophet Muhammad, the teachings of the Quran are all central and essential elements that make up Islam. Three major schools of thought that being the Sunni, Shi'a and Sufi denominations, emphasize and practice the essential elements of the religion, and all are contained within the circle of the Islamic religion.

The most prevalent beliefs that is practiced by Muslims are the five central pillars. Of these five pillars, Shahada, or the profession of faith, is the most important. Shahada is a declaration of faith that is stated by a Muslim. Also acting as a creed, it contains the central tenets of Islam. First, there is only one God, Allah, which should be feared and worshipped. Furthermore, Allah has no equal or progeny. The other declaration is that Muhammad is a prophet of God. The Prophet is believed to be the last of the prophets sent to deliver the message of God, and he serves as the "seal" of the prophets.

The next most important pillar of Islam is Salat, or prayer. Salat is to be performed 5 times a day. Prayers are to be performed before dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Salat allows for a direct connection between a Muslim and God, in which a believer may supplicate and ask for glad-tidings and forgiveness. Salat's importance comes from the fact that within prayer, a believer has a chance to become closer to God.

Zakat, or charity, is another pillar of Islam. Zakat mandates that every Muslim should aid his community by offering charity to those in need. By giving Zakat, a Muslim not only aids those less fortunate, but he betters himself through gaining purification and good deeds. Zakat is not at all necessary if a believer lacks the funds.

Another pillar of Islam is to fast during the month of Ramadan. A Muslim would perform fasting by abstaining from food, beverages, sexual relations and avoidance of anything that may lead to or cause a believer to sin. Fasting is performed everyday from sunrise to sunset for the entire month of Ramadan. Fasting is seen as a form of spiritual purification. By cutting off ties from food and drink, a Muslim is able to experience the hardships of those who are less fortunate. It also allows Muslims to build their self-restraint. If an individual is

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