Assignment: significance of Islam and similaries with other religions
Islamic prayer falls among the greatest rituals of Muslims. The prayers otherwise known as Salat are conducted five times a day. It is aimed to praise God and bless Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim always prays at the direction of Kaba shrine in Mecca.
Another ceremony is Akikah, an informal birth ceremony. It was celebration of the birth of the new born and the joy would be shared with the poor and needy.
Prayers for the dead and marriage rituals are other ceremonies. Prayers for the dead are offered for forgiveness and save him/her from the last judgment
Muslim marriage ceremony is conducted by a maulavi or Muslim priest. Close friends and relatives of bride and bridegroom will be present there to witness the event.
The star and crescent is the universal Islamic symbol. These symbols are present in the flags of several Islamic countries. Different colors were used by early Islamic dynasties. The colours they used were white, black, green and red. Later, green color received prominence among Muslims.
Shahada, sword, and gardens of Mughal Empire in India are considered as the symbols of Islam. Shahada is the first pillar of Islamic faith. It is the confession of faith in Allah and Prophet Muhammad. Another Islamic symbol, sword is used by Shiites. It is identified with Imam Ali, who they believe fought with his sword and life for Islam.
There are lots of myths about Islam. Some of the myths are the below:
Islam means peace, but the actual meaning is surrender
Islam respects women. Islamic law allows men to divorce women easily.
Jihad means inner struggle but Koran repudiates this view.
Islam is a peaceful religion. Prophet Muhammad and other Islamic rulers followed the policy of war and conquest
Muslims worship a moon god, but the god of muslims is known as Allah
Muslims donot believe in Jesus. Quran contains lot of references about Jesus but it denies the divine nature of Jesus.
Islam is a tolerant religion, but the truth is that it has no history of tolerance
Muslims are terrorists and extremists. Islam did not approve terrorism but only certain group of people indulges in extremist activities.
Quran and Hadith are the sacred texts of Muslims. Quran is the primary text of belief to Muslims. Muslims believes that Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Hadith is the traditional sayings of Muhammad and later Islamic sages. It is second only to Quran.
Comparison of Major Religions
Christianity Islam Judaism
Name of Gods: Jesus Christ Allah Jehovah
Sacred Books: Holy Bible Koran Torah
Places of Worship: Church Mosque Synagogue
Founders: Jesus Christ Prophet Muhammad Moses
Symbols Cross Star and crescent Star of David