RE ATAR Unit 2:The relationship between one particular Religious Ritual or Practice and the lives of people

Prayer

Within each religion, as well as across religions, there is complexity and diversity. In general terms, a religion is a system of beliefs and practices that guides how people live. Each religion offers particular insights and understandings about life. These find expression in a variety of religious beliefs, teachings and practices. Followers of each religion also come together to express aspects of their beliefs, teachings and practices. Followers of each religion also come together to express aspects of their religion through worship. celebrations, rituals, and by observing special events and seasons.

Rituals or practices that relate to the lives of people

Prayer is a communication to God. Many believe their prayers are answered and evidence of it is primarily reported in the Old and New Testament and also subsequently miracles and graces have been reported by the Church and by common people. Prayer is done by those who trust the power of word and thought. Christ taught people to say the Lord's Prayer.

Islam

 Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The most important Muslim practices are the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam.

The Five Pillars consist of:

  • Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith
  • Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day
  • Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy
  • Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan
  • Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Why are they important?

Carrying out these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim's life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion.

No matter how sincerely a person may believe, Islam regards it as pointless to live life without putting that faith into action and practice.

Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslim is putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their secular lives.

Islam

What is the relationship between one particular religious ritual or practice and the lives of people

Salat is the obligatory Muslim prayers, performed five times each day by Muslims. It is the second Pillar of Islam. God ordered Muslims to pray at five set times of day: Salat al-fajr: dawn, before sunrise.

How and why one religious ritual or practice relates to people

Books