Lesson 2: Islamic Faith

• Discuss the spread of Islam in the different parts of the country

• Explain the Five Pillars of Islam

Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Islam was already an existing religion in some parts of the country such as Sulu, Mindanao, Cebu, and some parts of Manila because of the Arabs who came to the Philippines. The followers of Islam are called Muslims. According to some tarsila (genealogies), Tuan Mashaika introduced Islam in Jolo. He married the daughter of Raja Sipad of Patikol in Buansa (now Jolo). The Arab scholar and trader Sharif Karim ul-Makhdum introduced Islam in the Malay Peninsula in the 14th century. From Malacca, he went to Sulu and built the first mosque in Tubig Indangan in the island of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. Makhdum died in the islet of Sibutu, Sulu, where his grave is regularly visited by Muslims.

INTRODUCTION OF ISLAM

Islam spread to the Visayas up to the shores of Manila. The Spaniards failed to completely Christianize the Muslims. True to their religion, the Muslims continuously fought for their freedom.

QURAN

Islam is an Arabic word which means “surrender” or “dedication to Allah.” The Muslims believed in only on god, Allah. Meanwhile, Muhammad is their prophet and is considered the emissary of Allah. According to them, Allah is incomparable and has no equal. The Quran is the holy book of Muslims and regarded as Allah’s words. It contains all the doctrines, teachings, and tenets of Islam.

FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

1. Shahada – It is the Muslim profession of faith.

“There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet.”

2. Salat – It is praying five times daily facing Mecca, the Holy City of Islam.

3. Zakat – It is the giving of alms or help to the poor, the needy, victims of calamities, the sick, or the orphans. The amount is equivalent to 2.5% of the value of their properties and should be given yearly.

4. Siyam – It is fasting during the feast of Ramadan based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

5. Hadj – It is a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrims pay their homage to the Kaaba, a rectangular black marble stone which is considered sacred by the Muslims. A Muslim who has gone to a pilgrimage to Mecca may add the word “Hadji” to his/her name.

LEARN THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM WITH ZAKY (YouTube.com)