The Moral System of Islam
The term Islam means "submission to the will and power of Allah." Muhammad, a political leader of the time, is thought to have created Islam around 570 A.D. This is partially true, but he acctually isn't the creater, he only restored a religion dating back to Abraham and his son, Ishmael. The angel Gabriel revealed himself to Muhammad and what was said was recorded into the Qur'an. His life was threatened if he stayed in Mecca, so he sought shelter in Medina. Many years later, he led a surge on Mecca, from Medina, the famous flight of Muhammad.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada (Creed) - The statement that "There is no other God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." To officially become a Muslim, a person must officially recite the creed in front of witnesses.
Salat (Prayer) - All Muslims must pray 5 times a day minimun facing Mecca. In Muslim towns, they have bells indicating that it is time to pray, similar to church bells.
Sawm (Fasting) - Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. The fasting includes absaining from food, drink and sexual intercourse during daylight hours.
Zakat (Almsgiving)- The number of required donation has been getting consistently less as time goes on, and now the minimum donation is 1/40, or 2.5% of the yearly income.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) - Every able bodied Muslim must make the pilgrimage to Mecca once in thier lifetime. It is best during the month Dhu al-Hijjah, but anytime meets the requirement. This symbolizes the flight of Muhammad back to Mecca to take it over and convert it to Islam.
What does Islam say about:
Alchohol/Drugs? Drugs and Alchohol are forbidden in Islamic Culture. These are banned as part of the dietary laws along with any other intoxicants such as opium or hemp.
Sexuality? Muslim Law says that sexuality is part of being a human, though there are some restrictions . Fornication, Homosexuality, and Adultery are all highly illegal. Violaters who are unmarried will receive 100 lashes. Violaters who break the covenant of Marriage will be stoned. Though Islam is a monogamous society, adultery does not include slave girls.
Honesty?
Muslims are ordered to tell the truth at all times. This includes honesty of the mouth and spirit, and giving the right advice to those who ask of it. Hark work is also required if the person is being paid.
The poor? Islam teaches Muslims to take care of the poor very well. One of the pillars, Zakat , requires 2.5% of income to be donated to help take care of the least among them.
Material Goods? Mislims believe that everything is the property of Allah and he is merely renting it out to them, because in the end, they cannot take it with them.
The Human Condition? Islam teaches the human condition relatively closely with Judeo-Christianity. People sin because of temptation put on them by Satan.
Original Sin? Muslims believe that there is not Original Sin because Adam and Eve were forgiven by Allah and their sins had no effect on the rest of the Muslims. People sin by their own straying from the Qur'an .
Key Terms of Islam
Qur'an- the Qur'an is the Holy book of Islam, similar to the Bible or Torah. It holds all the laws and revelations from Gabriel.
Jihad- Jihad means struggle. It can mean a struggle for peace either inside of oneself or outside. Today it has been taken to mean a defense of the Muslim faith. This is the Unofficial 6th Pillar.
Sharia- Islamic Law. Literally translates to "well trodden path."
Fiqh- Islamic Jurisprudence (legal knowledge, from juris-law and prudentia-knowledge: Roman)
Ulema- Islamic Moral Scolars. Interpreters of the Law, and judges in Moral decisions.
Sources Used and Quoted (added to those linked)
The North American Muslim Resource Guide
Qur'an by: Muhammad
http://www.islamweb.net
http://www.wikipedia.com
http://www.comparativereligion.com/man.html