RETRO TIME

Well, it's Monday and I take this day off and give you something that I wrote previously.  You may not be aware but our Muslim friends are observing the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of their calendar, by fasting, prayer, reflection and community activities.  This is the month that commemorates Muhammad's first revelation.  The observance is one of the five pillars of the religion.  It actually lasts from the siting of one crescent moon until the next.  Here is what I wrote 16 years ago.  Be mindful that the Iraq War was ongoing at the time.

5/05/2006

ISLAM

ISLAM

Islam is, following Christianity, the second largest religion in the world with about 1.5 billion adherents.

These are the major beliefs.
1) Belief in one God (Allah) and that He is worthy of all praise.
2) Belief in Angels
3) Belief in sacred writings. The Koran was given to Muhammad, the messenger and final prophet of God. The Koran corrects some mistakes in previous writings given to other prophets.(Other major prophets were Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus)
4) Belief in other prophets and messengers of God
5) Belief in Judgment Day and life after death
6) Belief in Fate

These are the major tenets. (things you should do)
1) Testify that there is only one God worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His messenger.
2) Perform five daily prayers
3) Fast from dusk until dawn in the month of Ramadan
4) Give to charity
5) Make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in your life if you are able.

This doesn't sound like the religion of terrorists or did I miss the tenet about blowing yourself up in order to kill an infidel?