Huston Smith Part 3

Chapter 6-The Five Pillars

Question: How are a Muslims decision guided by the Five Pillars?

Main Ideas:

1. Islam teaches people to walk in the straight path

2. The path is direct and explicit

3. The five pillars are principals that regulate Muslims' lives in their dealings with Allah.

4. Prayer must happen 5 times a day

5. Purpose of pilgrimage to Mecca is to improve a follower’s devotion to God

Thesis Statement: The five pillars help Muslims to make wise decisions based on what will keep them on a straight path.

Summary: The five pillars are principals that help Muslims to walk in a straight path. The first of the five pillars is that there is no god but God, and Muhammad is His Prophet. The second pillar states that a follower’s faithfulness must be constant. The third pillar of Islam is charity, the fourth is the observance of Ramadan, and the fifth Islam pillar is the pilgrimage to Mecca. All of these pillars help Muslims make the right decisions to lead them on the right path.

Chapter 7- Social Teachings

Question: What concepts within social teachings are taught in Islam?

Main Ideas:

1. Inner family love is very important

2. The Quran is spiritual guide/teacher

3. Society's health requires nourishment and feeding

4. Family is a good foundation for society

5. Equality is seen in interracial marriages

Thesis Statement: Islam focuses on social teachings through race, sexual status, and economy.

Summary: Social Teachings in Islam are very important, as they display the importance of family love. Using the Quran as a spiritual guide, it becomes clear that family is key, as well as economy, the positive status of women, equality in race, and positive use of force in society.