“All of humanity, we are one family. We live in the same world, bask in the warmth of the same sun, want to give and receive love. different people can understand and complement one another ...” Farid Ahmed We are all in it together, and upon you’. Islam is a code for life, a prescription for how to live a good and responsible life.” Farid explained this “code” is expressed in the Five Pillars of Islam, which provide the framework for Muslim life. • Shahadah (Faith) – “We believe in God who is watching us all the time. You cannot do anything that God does not know about. Faith teaches you to be accountable, to be the best person you can be.” • Salat (Prayer) – “We come together to pray five times each day. People from so many nationalities, who speak different languages, united in prayer. Prayer is a perfect example of peace, harmony and equality. Everyone is equal in the sight of God. Prayer teaches you to be inclusive, respectful and kind.” • Zakat (Charity) – “Islam teaches its members to be charitable, to give with sincerity. Give money,
Left to right: Bosco Peters, Farid Ahmed and Jamaal Green
give time, give skills, give to make people happy, and feel peace in your heart through giving.” • Sawm (Fasting) – “We fast once a month and during the entire month of Ramadan. Fasting is about learning to exercise self- control. It challenges us to focus on our actions and thoughts, and control our impulses. It teaches patience and compassion.” • Hajj (Pilgrimage) – “To go on a pilgrimage is to respond to the call of God. It’s a once in a lifetime obligation, and a physical, emotional and spiritual journey to visit the most sacred site of Islam.” Through his presentation and in the question and answer session that followed, Farid not only introduced Islam, but also shared his belief about how important it is to know one another. “All of humanity, we are one family. We live in the same world, bask in the
warmth of the same sun, want to give and receive love. We are all in it together, and different people can understand and complement one another ... Islam is a way for us to enjoy peace in this life and in the next life, which is everlasting.”
College Issue 37 2019
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