Social Cohesion and the Five Pillars of Islam

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 ...