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Muslim Doctrine and The Five Pillars of Islam:

In a climate where the demonization of Islam is all too prevalent, clarification of the basic tenets of this faith might help to increase understanding. In the hope of raising awareness and tolerance, deepening understanding, the following sets out to examine doctrines of the faith and the Five Pillars of Islam, in simple terms. This is undertaken from the view of a non-Muslim, a human just looking to understand fellow human beings and their beliefs. We are one in the spirit of humanity.

First, it will help to state that everything hinges on the belief that there is one God, a Divine Unity, if you like, and that Mohammed is His Prophet. Within Islam's basic doctrine of God's Divine Unity, the faithful seek to achieve a human, unified, religious community and a moral society. This is achieved by following the teachings of God, as given through His prophet Mohammed, and set out in the Qur'an. Next, there is a belief in angels as helpers, appointed by God to reveal His messages. Third, prophecy, prophets and sacred books form part of belief, particularly the Qu'ran as the last revealed prophecy in history. The fourth belief is that of the Last Day, the Day of Judgement, when the dead will rise, and God will accept the good into eternal happiness in Paradise, but cast the unbelievers into Hell for eternity. Finally, Divine Decree and predestination is the belief that, although the doctrines are a mystery to mere man, man has been given free will to make moral decisions and to live in the faith.

After examining these tenets of Islamic faith, any Christian will already see amazing parallels with his or her own beliefs. For example, Christianity accepts one God, with Jesus as His Prophet. The words of the prophet are contained in sacred scriptures, the Bible; the Book of Revelations aligns with a basic belief in prophecy. Many Christian sects accept the existence of angels, in similar roles to those cited in Islam. Judgement Day, Heaven and Hell, following God's will (Divine Decree) and living by one's moral conscience, all equate; the similarities and connections are uncannily clear.

So what exactly are the Five Pillars of Islam? In simple terms, they may be described as putting beliefs into practice by carrying out devotial and ritual duties, something every Muslim is required to do. They are as follows:

SHAHADA: This is how one becomes a Muslim, simply stating the words, with true and heartfelt sincerety - "I bear witness

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