When comparing the 5 pillars of Islam and some main pillars of Christianity, there is extreme overlap in what both religions expect from their followers. In recent events, there have been bans of Muslim people and rumors of having to register as a practicing Muslim. These acts are xenophobic and not conducive to how America was founded. Throwback Thursday to when people fled their countries to escape religious persecution.

1. Shahadah

The Islamic faith centers itself not only around the 3 laws, but also 5 pillars in which they practice everyday. The first is shahadah or reciting the belief in one God, Allah, and only one God. In comparison, Christianity has faith and belief itself. In reciting one's faith, there is the belief that there is only one God and through him all things are created and treasured.

2. Salat

The next is the understanding that one must pray to Mecca 5 times a day. These prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and midnight. By atoning for one's sins in Christianity, followers can be forgiven and can enter the holy land. Though Christians are not encouraged to pray in public, they are encouraged to pray often for salvation.

3. Zakat

The third pillar revolves around almsgiving, or charity. Those that practice Islam are encouraged to give a percentage of how much their properties are worth to those less fortunate than them. Christians are encouraged, throughout of the book of Matthew, to give to those less fortunate than them, and to give to the church that they attend.

4. Sawm

As with practicing charity, Muslims are also expected to fast from sun up to sun down for self-purification, to experience what those less fortunate than them experience. Sawm can almost be compared to Lent in the Christian faith, but Lent has less stringency with its specificity. Many people do give up certain foods, drinks, and sexual acts, but some give up other items as well.

5. Hajj

The last pillar of Islam is a pilgrimage. This travel is expected of Muslims at some point in their life to seek refuge to Allah. Though through Christianity, there is no true pilgrimage, it is thought that life is the true journey with the ultimate end point as joining the heavenly kingdom.

* - The feelings reflected in this piece are meant to be satirical. Islamic Law and the Pillars of Islam are actually really nice. If you want to research more, here are some places to do that: X | X