Students Have Deep Encounters with Islam

In our module on Islam, one of our students, Peter Marnocha, shared a reflective expression that integrated his own tradition and offering companionship to people of different religious/spiritual/ethical traditions.  You will see how he incorporates the major practices of Islam with questions that a spiritual guide might ask a seeker. 
 
If you are a seeker, you may be asked these questions by your spiritual guide.  If you are a spiritual companion, these are great questions that really get to the heart of the matter.

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Questions for seekers in the spirit of the Five Pillars of Islam:
 
Testament of Faith: The proclamation that there is no god but God. How do you affirm this in your own belief system? How do you describe the entity or energy that is much greater than the human species.

Prayer:  Prayer is formal worship. In what ways do you pray? How are you 'constant in prayer' and what does this mean to you?

Charity:  In what ways do you give of yourself and resources in a humble and sincere way? How do you accomplish this selfless service without looking for praise or reward?

Fasting: What are the practices that you take time for to observe moments or days that are sacred to you? How do you practice compassion and generosity? Assuming that you are willing to practice non-attachment, how is this expressed in your life? To what extent are you willing to  endure the process of self-transformation?
 
Pilgrimage: Pilgrimage is a journey of shared experiences and unity. How might you travel alone or with others to experience the oneness of all things and Nature?"