Islam is a commonly practiced religion. One of the characteristics of this religion that make it distinct from other religions is the belief in the existence of only one God, with Mohammed as His prophet (WELS Outreach, 2). Secondly, staunch Muslims are known to pray five times a day without fail. Another distinct characteristic of Islam is their faithful fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan, which falls on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Another common practice by Muslims is their annual donation of money to aid the poor in society. Finally, Muslims are encouraged to participate in a pilgrimage to Hajj once in a lifetime (Religion facts, 3).
Islam has its roots in Prophet Mohammed. Mohammed was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib as his parents died when he was young. He would retreat to a cave in the Mecca deserts for days and nights of prayer in seclusion. It is after one of these prayer sessions at the age of forty that he reported having received his first revelation from God (Religion facts, 2). Islam is centered on the belief that Mohammed the last prophet of God (WELS Outreach, 1). He gained followers gradually beginning with those from his hometown in Mecca. Mohammed took it upon himself to spread the message of Islam around the world peacefully.
Since the inception of Islamic religion in Mecca in the year 610 AD, the Quran has been a guide to those practicing the religion. The term Quran means ‘the recitation’ and is believed to be the verbatim word of God. According to the Muslims, the Quran is God’s word as was given to Mohammed through Angel Gabriel for over 23 years. The Quran explains the Islam religion to those practicing it, while at the same time offering guidance on certain moral issues. This makes it useful in the interpretation of the Sharia law. Besides, this holy book provides details on some historical events, and in turn gives interpretations for these happenings, as well as the lessons to be derived (Religion facts, 3). The Quran presents Islam as a linear and exclusive religion.
Muslims conduct prayers and Quran study sessions in Mosques. An example of such is the Mosque Masjid Al-Tawheed in San Francisco. This mosque is located on the 1227 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA. There is a mass transit near the mosque, which has a capacity of about five hundred to six hundred Muslims (Alnaseej, 1). The prayer rooms for men and women are separate, with the women having a back entrance to access their sisters’ section. The leadership of the mosque is purely marked by men, as women are not allowed to hold positions of leadership (Alnaseej, 1). The board of directors for the mosque is unelected.
Islam has faced a high rate of globalization. The high birth rates among Islamic groups serve to make it the fastest-growing religion in the world today. In Mosques, the presence of non-Arabic speakers has warranted for the translation of the Quran, sometimes through the use of headphones. This attracts more people to the mosques. Also, there is a forum in the mosques to discuss important topics in the world, like political and economic issues, before and after prayer. As part of these discussions, Muslims around the world are called upon to express their opinions on various issues.
Works Cited
Alnaseej, Wasat. Masjid Al-Tawheed. Islamic Finder. 2013. Web.
Religion facts. Muslim Rituals and Practices. 2012. Web.
WELS Outreach to Muslims Committee. Background Information on Islam. Truth in love to Muslims. (n.d.). Web.