5 Pillars

Introduction

Islam is the second most prominent religion in the world and is in fact the fastest growing religion as well. Because of the increasing numbers, we can expect that one day in the near future Islam will become the most popular religion. Because of this, it is important to understand the foundation of the religion and what a muslim’s beliefs entail. To get along and understand our neighbors, to cooperate with our peers, and to aspire for a more peaceful future, it is imperative that those outside of Islam have a good understanding of the differences between them and their muslim counterparts.

Shahadah – Testimony of Faith

   لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله 

(lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāh, muḥammadun rasūlu -llāh)

“There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

As a testimony of faith, Muslims must recite the statement above during each prayer throughout the day. The statement also must be declared in Arabic during the conversion of one’s faith to Islam.

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Salat – Prayer

The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. Muslims around the world turn separately and jointly towards Islam’s holiest city (Mecca), to offer five daily prayers.

The times they pray are at:

1. Dawn
2. Noon
3. Mid-afternoon
4. Sunset
5. Evening

In addition to those times, a required congregational service is on Friday.

Although salat (formal Prayer) can be performed alone, it is admirable to perform it with another person or with a group. It is permitted to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors; however Muslims are suggested to perform salat in a mosque.

Zakat – Charity

Social responsibility, or Charity, is considered an important part of one’s service to God; the obligatory act of zakat (the practice of being charitable) enshrines this duty.

Zakat prescribes payment of fixed size of a Muslim’s belongings for the welfare of the entire community and in particular for its neediest members of their community. Usually it is equal to 2.5 percent of an individual’s total net worth, except for obligations and family expenses.

 

Sawm – Fasting

The ninth month in the Islamic calendar is the month of Ramadan, also known as the month of fasting. Fasting is meant to increase one’s devotion and bring them closer to Allah. It is in accordance with the dictates of the Koran, in which Allah commands:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (

(Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo kutiba AAalaykumu alssiyamu kama kutiba AAala allatheena min qablikum laAAallakum tattaqoona)

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous-” (2:183)

Muslims must fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. There are exceptions for those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, or nursing, they may either make it up later on in the year or feed a needy person for every day that is missed.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a celebration known as Eid-al-Fitr, which means Feast of Breaking the Fast. It is believed that by fasting, one is taught self-control and restraint as well as the recognition that everything is a blessing from Allah.

Hajj – Pilgrimage

The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which takes place from the eighth to twelfth day in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Around two million people travel to Mecca each year and it is an obligation for a Muslim to go at lease once in their life, for those who are physically and financially able. Everyone wears simple, mostly white clothing, which is intended to remove any distinction of class and culture so that all stand equal before Allah. There are a series of rituals performed that are meant to unify Muslims with one another, absolve them of their sins, and pay tribute to Allah.

These rituals include:

• Circling the Ka’ba seven times
• Going between the mountains of Safa and Marwa seven times
• Throwing stones at the three pillars in Mina

Once all of the mandated rituals are completed, it is believed that the pilgrim is guaranteed a place in heaven and the title of Hajji, meaning one who has performed the Hajj, which is highly respected in the Islamic world.

Created by Brandon Katz, Giovanna Kaminski, and Elyse Salisz in December 2013.

References

Bradshaw, M. (2007). The five pillars of Islam: an understanding of the five pillars of Islam is important for any study of the religion. Magnus Bradshaw examines the place of the five pillars within Islam, along with the social and spiritual significance of these practices for Muslims. RS Review, 3(2), 12+. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/suic/AcademicJournalsDetailsPage/AcademicJournalsDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=SUIC&contentModules=&displayGroupName=Journals&limiter=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=SUIC&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CA173101264&source=Bookmark&u=butleru&jsid=d98c946fcc0ff6d7eb4008a15229d7bb

“The Five Pillars Of Islam.” Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2013. <http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/country-information/Islam/five_pillars_of_Islam.aspx>.

Khan, D. (2008, February). The Five Pillars of Islam. Faces: People, Places, and Cultures, 24(6), 12+. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/suic/MagazinesDetailsPage/MagazinesDetailsWindow?query=&prodId=SUIC&contentModules=&displayGroupName=Magazines&limiter=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=SUIC&action=2&catId=&activityType=&documentId=GALE%7CA177448572&source=Bookmark&u=butleru&jsid=569182403ffd724a2b25c75cb0731fe1