"The Trusted One" and his Muslims

In class, we watched a movie on Islam and Muhammed's effect on the country. Islam was an oral culture, they told stories and lessons mostly through poetry. The only way to find out the history of their country, was through poems passed down through generations. Their religion was built upon worshipping spirits, more specifically spirits of the earth ( wind, water, rock, etc). Muhammed, would forever change the religion of Islam. Muhammed became a merchant and eventually accumulated a group of followers called Muslims. Together, they built a book of revelations of natural beliefs (chosen words/description of God) called the Quran. The religion was then centered around this book, just like Christianity is centered around the Bible. I found it interesting and liked the fact that it was easy to become Muslim and take part in the religious beliefs. It was easy to practice. I am a Christian, so the simplicity of being Muslim attracted me because being a Christian is simple too! It takes 2 concepts to be a full-fledged Muslim. You have the 5 Pillars of Islam and the Articles of Faith. As long as you practice and uphold those obligations, you are praticing their faith. There are obligations to Christianity too, but I believe the Muslims' obligations take more dedication, they are more detailed, and there are more 'rules' to follow.

For instance, with Muslims, one of their obligations is to pray 5 times a day and you have to pray at the Kabba. Where as in Christianity, you can pray whenever and wherever you want. Another example is Muslims have to make a pilgrammage to Mecca at least one time in their life. Christianity does not require a pilgarammage to any place.

Being a Muslim created much controversy between the people of Islam, just like Christianity was not accepted very easily either. These 2 religions have many simliarities, even though they may be carried out or practiced differently. Keeping religion simple is a good way to go. It allows for more followers and can potentially be long-lasting. It seems that simplicity is key to success in religious practices.