Online Reflection 1

THE REVELATION OF ISLAM

Revelation is where God imparts whatever knowledge He wills to those whom He chooses to receive it.  God gives this knowledge to them in order for them to convey it to whomever else He wishes.

All the Messengers of God experienced revelation.  God says:

“Verily, We have sent Revelation to you (O Muhammad) as We have sent Revelation to Noah and the prophets who came after him.  We had sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon.  And to David We gave the Psalms.  And Messengers We have told you about before, and Messengers We have not told you about – and to Moses We spoke directly.” (Quran 4:163)

The possibility of divine revelation cannot be denied by anyone who believes in the existence of God and in His omnipotence.  God maintains His creation in any manner that pleases Him.  The connection between the Creator and his Creation is by way of His Messengers, and these Messengers only know what God wants from them by way of revelation, either directly or indirectly.  The rational mind cannot dismiss the possibility of revelation, since nothing is difficult for the all-powerful Creator.

Five Pillars of Islam

1) Shahada: Testifying to God's One-ness:

• The declaration "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet.

2) Salat: Prayer.

Five prayer times each day:

• early morning
• noon
• mid-afternoon
• sunset
• evening

3) Zakat: Giving charity.

Originally a free-will donation (what is no called Sadaqah).
Now largely compulsory.General rate: 2 1/2% of income annually.Given only to needy Muslims, or for religious purposes, etc.

4) Sawm: Fast

• In memory of the revelation of the Qur'an.
• During month of Ramadan, daylight hours.
• Those who have medical exemptions etc. should fast at another time.
• 'Id al-Fitr, Feast of Fast-breaking: at beginning of next month

5) Hajj: Pilgrimage.

• Every Muslim man and woman (if physically and economically able) should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life-time.
• Egalitarian atmosphere, Ihram:
• donning of simple white garments.
• Refraining from sex, haircuts, jewelry, arguing, etc.
• Importance of the Ka'ba, associations with Abraham, Hagar Ishmael and Muhammad.