In reading about Islam I like that the Quran has remained a scared text in the way that it has not beeen translated into hundreds of languages, thus losing abit of its deep meaning. The book says that "Mulims claim when heard in its original Arabic, conveys nothing less than the prescence of the Divine." It the says that "its unmatched poetic, beauty, miraculous to Mulims convinced many that it was indeed a revalation from God." By keeping this sacred text in its natural form its beauty and holy feeling can shine through as it was intended. With religious texts such as the Bible, it has been translated so many times and for so many years that I feel many do not know at times what was really being said. Everyone has their own version ajnd input on the meaning of the lords words. I agree that books and storeis should be retold and translated but when it comes to powerful things like the Bible, the Quran or even historical pieces like the Constitution of the Magna Carta, they need to be left in their true state. Yes their words can be paraphrased in other languages so all can learn of it but others who do not truely understand the depth of something so powerful should not be able to interpret it for themselves as they see fit. If someone truely wants to learn it and convert to it the n they will take the time to learn to read it. Yes this seems harsh and time consuming but it also would secure the power and integrity of these revolutionary pieces.

Islam is the most structuredd and time committed religion I have learned about. Its structure through the Five Pillars really keeps its followers faith strong. By donating to the poor and praying five times a day in the direction of Mecca, this religion is not for the fair weather holy person who is seeking a new person to follow. Following Ramadan and then the possible pilgrimmage to Mecca are very intense practices. A person does not have the time to stray away from their faith. With many catholics they go to church once a week, with a prayer here or there. This gives many hours and days to stray off the path of ritcheousness and possibly hurt your chances of the eventual afterlife. In Islam the followers have such strong beliefs and discipline that they stay very regimented. Understanding where the religion was birthed is an amazing feature of Islam also. To go to Mecca and understand the true depth of this religion is incredible. Christians should take a trip to Galilee or Jerusalem or Buddhists to the tree of Siddhartha. These acts just show a deeper commitment and passion for the religion in which you are putting your faith and afterlife possibilitis.