Social Cohesion and the Five Pillars of Islam A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

A great deal of animosity exists between the western world (and
its perceptions of Islam) and the Muslim world (and its perceptions
of the West). In an attempt to break down stereotypical perceptions
among non-Muslim university students, instruction in a
class on “Understanding Islam” includes numerous aspects of the
logical wisdom of Islam. One such illustration concerns the role
of the Five Pillars in supporting and maintaining social cohesion
among monotheists. A model of social cohesion and the Five
Pillars is presented for discussion and reflection ...