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Islam in the First World, Religion & Politics

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1. For a Muslim living in one of the first world countries (e.g. Germany, England, the United States, etc.), how feasible would it be to practice the Five Pillars of Faith? Which of the Five Pillars would be most doable and which would be the most challenging? Think of different occupations that would present special obstacles to the practice of the Five Pillars: an emergency room nurse or physician, someone working in a day care center, a sales clerk in a large department store, an attorney, etc., and discuss how someone in these professions might be able to follow the Five Pillars.

2. Religion and politics have been intertwined in various times and places, and to various degrees, throughout human history. How are political and religious concerns related? How are they different? How should the two be coordinated?

3. To what extent can a religious system bring about universal social and political harmony?

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Solution Summary

This solution will provide the student with a guide in responding to whether it is feasible for a Muslim to practice the Five Pillars of Faith in a First World country. Secondly, the solution will also assist the student in responding to how political and religious concerns are related, how they are different and whether the two should be coordinated. Thirdly, the solution will assist the student in responding to what extent a religious system can bring about universal social and political harmony.

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1. The First World countries have become more tolerant and accepting of diverse cultures and religions. This is due to mass migrations from nations in which the quality of living can be detrimental and, in some cases, fatal for not only women and children of Muslim faith but men as well.

In my opinion, and from my experience of working with Muslims, I would say that it is feasible to practice the Five Pillars of Faith in First World countries. I am stating this based on the standard Five Pillars. Each Muslim country has certain cultural factors that have assimilated into their faith structure so much that the average person understands the cultural factors to be religious (i.e. the practice of yoga and the way women must dress).

When examining the feasibility of completing the Five Pillars of Faith, you should examine them independently.

i. The declaration of faith and trust - Can an individual declare a certain faith in a First World country?
ii. The five daily prayers - Can an individual pray in a First World country?
iii. Alms-giving - Can an individual make charitable donations in a First World country?
iv. Fasting (Ramadan) - Can an individual "fast" in a First World country?
v. Pilgrimage to Mecca - Can an individual travel to another country from a First World country?

When examining whether the Five Pillars are achievable in a First World country, there are some factors ...

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