#Trust30 online initiative - a 30-day writing challenge - Part 3 - One Strong Belief

One Strong Belief by Buster Benson

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?
(Author: Buster Benson)

My Strong Belief: Al Shahada

The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in the oneness of God (tawhid) and acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet.

أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله

ʾašhadu ʾan lā ʾilāha ʾilla (A)llāh, wa ʾašhadu ʾanna Muḥammada(n) rasūlu (A)llāh

"I testify that there is no god but God, and I testify that Mohammad is God's Messenger"

 I have converted (or reverted) to Islam around 4 years ago after discussing with Muslim friends and being inspired by reading the Qur'an and other books explaining Islam.

Actively living Islam involves attempting to  live by the 5 pillars of Islam :

(1) the shahadah (creed)

(2) 5 daily prayers (salat), 

(3) almsgiving (zakah), 

(4) fasting during Ramadan 

(5) the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime