Assalamalaikum every one,
A nurse in my hospital who is Baptist wrote this article to teach in her nursing class.
Islam Today
Religion is, and has always been a central point of American life. Religious differences have been the source of many conflicts throughout history, in all parts of the world. It is important for people to gain knowledge of the beliefs, faiths, and customs of various religions. These religious values shape the lives of individuals. This knowledge will help to foster appreciation and respect between our different cultures.
Islam is one of the most widespread religions in the world. According to Matthew S. Gordon, Islam is second only to Christianity in relation to the number of followers. There are more than one billion followers of this religion today. Much like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion- meaning belief in one God. The people who believe and practice the principles of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims use the Arabic word for God, Allah. Islam is Arabic word meaning submission to Allah (Gordon, 1991). Muslims believe that the man God chose to receive His word was Muhammad. These revelations to Muhammad were recorded in the Quran. Muslims believe the Quran to be the literal word of God.
In his book, Religions of the World, Charles Clark explains that for a Muslim to be in harmony with nature and under the will of Allah the Five Pillars of Islam must be followed. The five pillars are Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, and Hajj. The Five Pillars are explained in The Vision of Islam by Arthurs Marata and Chiltick (1994). The most basic of the Five is the profession of faith (shahadah). This includes acknowledging that “there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is His messenger.” The second Pillar is salah or daily prayers. A Muslim is to perform salah five times daily. Salah is a practical demonstration of faith, and keeps a believer in touch with God. Zakah, the third Pillar, is a monetary obligation. It is believed that people purify their wealth by giving a share of their accumulated wealth to God. A portion usually 2.5 percent, once a year, of the Muslim’s accumulated wealth is given to the poor and needy. Sawm is the fourth Pillar, which is the annual obligatory fasting. This fasting includes a dawn-dusk fast from food, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity. This fasting takes place each day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Ramadan. The fifth and final Pillar is Hajj; which is the journey to the house of Allah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from every race and nationality assemble together in equality to worship their Lord. (2002)
After Muhammad’s death, the issue of leadership led to a great division among the Muslims. The two groups became known as Sunni and Shii. According to Clark there are no fundamental differences between the two groups (2002). “The two branches regard each other as being fully Muslim and participate together in Hajj without discrimination (Clark, 2002).
Scholar, Bernard Lewis (1993), writes of the long history of Christian-Muslim conflict in his book Islam and the West. Lewis claims that the fundamental source of conflict is that both religions claim to be “the one true religion”. Christians and Muslims share the belief that their religion is the “sole universal truth and it is their sacred mission to bring it to all mankind” (Bernard, 1993).
Islam is intensely political. The Quran has explicit teachings on how human societies should be organized and governed. The Quran also teaches the Muslims how we as a society should relate to one another. Many Muslims are suspicious of the Western consumer culture. They consider it a “godless” system; the only goals are immediate gratification and accumulation of money. (Clark, 2002) Muslims believe there is no real separation between religion and all other aspects of life (Gordon, 1991).
Despite the increasing number of people in this religion, Muslims have had a harder time entering the mainstream of American life than other religious minorities. There are several reported incidents of discrimination against Muslims in the United States every year. As Clark writes “these incidents are evidence that the two-thousand year old misunderstandings continue to exist” (2002).
Muslims face hostility from co-workers and neighbors based on their faith. Islamic groups have been increasingly effective in handling incidents of discrimination. One such organization is the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR has worked to decrease these prejudices by providing education and training assistance to companies and schools.
Islam in America is book by Jane I. Smith that records the work done by the CAIR organization in a variety of situations such as the following:
“A worker was fired from her job at a national doughnut chain store for refusing to remove her head scarf on the grounds that it was a religious requirement. After CAIR’s intervention, she was allowed to wear a head covering consistent with healthy and safety regulations” (smith, 1999)
“Another incident in which a Muslim employee allegedly was kicked while he was in prayer in the workplace, at CAIR’s urging the company the company initiated a thorough investigation that resulted in a formal apology and the institution of sensitivity training for supervisors” (smith, 1999)
Another organization formed to counter the negative stereotypes and educate the public is the American Muslim Council (AMC). The AMC’s 2001 legislative agenda reads…
“Our objective is to attempt to converge the values and principles of Islam with the democratic and pluralistic ideals of America…..
Muslims are a multi-cultural community, united through strong ties of faith that transcend ethnic and racial boundaries. We seek to play a constructive role in American society as concerned and responsible citizens” (Clark, 2002)
Muslims living in the west are often suspected of having ties to organizations that sponsor terrorist. The Islamic community is concerned that anti-Islamic feelings by the public are growing due to international incidents of violence carried out in the name of “Islam”. Muslim leaders insist that Islam is a religion of peace that does not condone aggressive warfare or terrorism (Smith, 1999). Muslims believe there is no real separation between religion and all other aspects of life (Clark, 2002). According to Smith,
“The search for an American umma (community) distinct from racial-ethnic identities that have been served to divide and separate rather than unify is high on the agenda of many Muslims today and is particularly important to the youth who will be the new leaders of the community (1999).
Paul Findley, in his book Silent no More, points out that most Americans have never discussed Islam with anyone informed about the religion. America’s perception of Islam mainly comes from the negative, false images, that emerge from news accounts, movies, and talk shows (2001).
The constitution of the United States protects the freedom of the people to choose their own religion. The Bill of Rights first amendment states in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. (Bashir, 2006). Our Nation’s motto- “In God we trust”- reflects our basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this nation owes homage.
This paper has not been written as a push for Islam, but for understanding, tolerance, and cooperation. As members of society we should work to do away with all the false stereotypes. Christianity and Islam both devote themselves to prayer, compassion, cooperation, charity, and respect. Incidents of discrimination against Muslims are reported every year, proof that misunderstandings continue to exist. It is easy to be intolerant of a religion one does not understand. People of all faiths must look for correct comprehension of each other’s religion. As deeply as we cherish our own beliefs, we should not demand others to share the same faith.
Works Cited
Bashir, S. (2006) Islam. In the New Book of Knowledge (vol. I pp 436-355)
Danbury, CT: Scholastic Library Publishers
Clark, Charles (2002). Religions of the World: Islam. San Diego, CA: Lucent Books, Inc.
Findley. P. (2001) Silent no More Batesville, MD: Amana Publications
Gordon, M. (1991) Islam World Religions New York, NY: Facts on File
Lewis, B. (1993) Islam and the West New York, NY: Oxford University Press
Murata, s. and Chittick, W.C. (1994) the Vision Of Islam St. Paul, MN: Paragon House
Smith, J.I. (1999) Islam in America New York, NY: Columbia University Press
Islam Today by
Anna M. Stroud
Laurel, MS
A nurse in my hospital who is Baptist wrote this article to teach in her nursing class.
Islam Today
Religion is, and has always been a central point of American life. Religious differences have been the source of many conflicts throughout history, in all parts of the world. It is important for people to gain knowledge of the beliefs, faiths, and customs of various religions. These religious values shape the lives of individuals. This knowledge will help to foster appreciation and respect between our different cultures.
Islam is one of the most widespread religions in the world. According to Matthew S. Gordon, Islam is second only to Christianity in relation to the number of followers. There are more than one billion followers of this religion today. Much like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion- meaning belief in one God. The people who believe and practice the principles of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims use the Arabic word for God, Allah. Islam is Arabic word meaning submission to Allah (Gordon, 1991). Muslims believe that the man God chose to receive His word was Muhammad. These revelations to Muhammad were recorded in the Quran. Muslims believe the Quran to be the literal word of God.
In his book, Religions of the World, Charles Clark explains that for a Muslim to be in harmony with nature and under the will of Allah the Five Pillars of Islam must be followed. The five pillars are Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, and Hajj. The Five Pillars are explained in The Vision of Islam by Arthurs Marata and Chiltick (1994). The most basic of the Five is the profession of faith (shahadah). This includes acknowledging that “there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is His messenger.” The second Pillar is salah or daily prayers. A Muslim is to perform salah five times daily. Salah is a practical demonstration of faith, and keeps a believer in touch with God. Zakah, the third Pillar, is a monetary obligation. It is believed that people purify their wealth by giving a share of their accumulated wealth to God. A portion usually 2.5 percent, once a year, of the Muslim’s accumulated wealth is given to the poor and needy. Sawm is the fourth Pillar, which is the annual obligatory fasting. This fasting includes a dawn-dusk fast from food, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity. This fasting takes place each day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Ramadan. The fifth and final Pillar is Hajj; which is the journey to the house of Allah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from every race and nationality assemble together in equality to worship their Lord. (2002)
After Muhammad’s death, the issue of leadership led to a great division among the Muslims. The two groups became known as Sunni and Shii. According to Clark there are no fundamental differences between the two groups (2002). “The two branches regard each other as being fully Muslim and participate together in Hajj without discrimination (Clark, 2002).
Scholar, Bernard Lewis (1993), writes of the long history of Christian-Muslim conflict in his book Islam and the West. Lewis claims that the fundamental source of conflict is that both religions claim to be “the one true religion”. Christians and Muslims share the belief that their religion is the “sole universal truth and it is their sacred mission to bring it to all mankind” (Bernard, 1993).
Islam is intensely political. The Quran has explicit teachings on how human societies should be organized and governed. The Quran also teaches the Muslims how we as a society should relate to one another. Many Muslims are suspicious of the Western consumer culture. They consider it a “godless” system; the only goals are immediate gratification and accumulation of money. (Clark, 2002) Muslims believe there is no real separation between religion and all other aspects of life (Gordon, 1991).
Despite the increasing number of people in this religion, Muslims have had a harder time entering the mainstream of American life than other religious minorities. There are several reported incidents of discrimination against Muslims in the United States every year. As Clark writes “these incidents are evidence that the two-thousand year old misunderstandings continue to exist” (2002).
Muslims face hostility from co-workers and neighbors based on their faith. Islamic groups have been increasingly effective in handling incidents of discrimination. One such organization is the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR has worked to decrease these prejudices by providing education and training assistance to companies and schools.
Islam in America is book by Jane I. Smith that records the work done by the CAIR organization in a variety of situations such as the following:
“A worker was fired from her job at a national doughnut chain store for refusing to remove her head scarf on the grounds that it was a religious requirement. After CAIR’s intervention, she was allowed to wear a head covering consistent with healthy and safety regulations” (smith, 1999)
“Another incident in which a Muslim employee allegedly was kicked while he was in prayer in the workplace, at CAIR’s urging the company the company initiated a thorough investigation that resulted in a formal apology and the institution of sensitivity training for supervisors” (smith, 1999)
Another organization formed to counter the negative stereotypes and educate the public is the American Muslim Council (AMC). The AMC’s 2001 legislative agenda reads…
“Our objective is to attempt to converge the values and principles of Islam with the democratic and pluralistic ideals of America…..
Muslims are a multi-cultural community, united through strong ties of faith that transcend ethnic and racial boundaries. We seek to play a constructive role in American society as concerned and responsible citizens” (Clark, 2002)
Muslims living in the west are often suspected of having ties to organizations that sponsor terrorist. The Islamic community is concerned that anti-Islamic feelings by the public are growing due to international incidents of violence carried out in the name of “Islam”. Muslim leaders insist that Islam is a religion of peace that does not condone aggressive warfare or terrorism (Smith, 1999). Muslims believe there is no real separation between religion and all other aspects of life (Clark, 2002). According to Smith,
“The search for an American umma (community) distinct from racial-ethnic identities that have been served to divide and separate rather than unify is high on the agenda of many Muslims today and is particularly important to the youth who will be the new leaders of the community (1999).
Paul Findley, in his book Silent no More, points out that most Americans have never discussed Islam with anyone informed about the religion. America’s perception of Islam mainly comes from the negative, false images, that emerge from news accounts, movies, and talk shows (2001).
The constitution of the United States protects the freedom of the people to choose their own religion. The Bill of Rights first amendment states in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. (Bashir, 2006). Our Nation’s motto- “In God we trust”- reflects our basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this nation owes homage.
This paper has not been written as a push for Islam, but for understanding, tolerance, and cooperation. As members of society we should work to do away with all the false stereotypes. Christianity and Islam both devote themselves to prayer, compassion, cooperation, charity, and respect. Incidents of discrimination against Muslims are reported every year, proof that misunderstandings continue to exist. It is easy to be intolerant of a religion one does not understand. People of all faiths must look for correct comprehension of each other’s religion. As deeply as we cherish our own beliefs, we should not demand others to share the same faith.
Works Cited
Bashir, S. (2006) Islam. In the New Book of Knowledge (vol. I pp 436-355)
Danbury, CT: Scholastic Library Publishers
Clark, Charles (2002). Religions of the World: Islam. San Diego, CA: Lucent Books, Inc.
Findley. P. (2001) Silent no More Batesville, MD: Amana Publications
Gordon, M. (1991) Islam World Religions New York, NY: Facts on File
Lewis, B. (1993) Islam and the West New York, NY: Oxford University Press
Murata, s. and Chittick, W.C. (1994) the Vision Of Islam St. Paul, MN: Paragon House
Smith, J.I. (1999) Islam in America New York, NY: Columbia University Press
Islam Today by
Anna M. Stroud
Laurel, MS
