The doctrines of
Islam
(which means "Submission to God") are contained in the Holy Koran . From time to time ,
Prophet Mohamed
(Pbuh) recited to his disciples portions of the "Heavenly Book" as its contents were revealed to him in his dreams and visions . These communications were held in the "Breasts of men" or written down upon pieces of pottery , the board shoulder bones of Sheep , and the ribs of palm leaves . Soon after the death of the Prophet (Pbuh) , these scraps of writing were religiously collected , and then arranged chiefly according to length . Such was the origin of the sacred book of Islam . The fundamental doctrine of Islam is the unity of God: "There is no God save Allah" , a declaration which echoes throughout the Koran . To this is added the equally binding declaration that "Mohamed is the Prophet of Allah" .
The Koran orders the practice of five cardinal virtues or duties: the first is the unity of God; the second is performing prayers five times a day (with the believer's face turned towards Mecca and engage in devotion); the third is almsgiving (or payment of the so-called holy tax); the fourth is keeping the fast of Ramadan (which lasts a whole month , throughout this period , no food must
be eaten during the day time); the fifth duty is making a pilgrimage to Mecca . Every person who can possibly do so is required to make this journey .
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