5 Pillars Of Islam Research Paper

The five pillars of Islam

To live life as a Muslim it is essential for one to understand the basis of this religious belief. For a practicing Muslim that would be what is known as the five pillars of Islam. This is probably best understood as the core values of the faith. Simply put what one must believe and do in order to be considered a practicing Muslim. These five pillars are where the worship practice begins for the Muslim believer, the substratum of the faith. Muslims believe that the foundation for the five pillars were set during the lifetime of Mohammed (p.472). No one pillar out ranks the other in value, but all are viewed equally and hold the same level of importance. All of these pillars have a great significance and address different aspects of the faith. Like most religions some of these practices are directly related to special seasons or times when they are to be performed. It is expected of all adult Muslims that these pillars be performed (p.472).

The primary pillar is the declaration or Testimony of Faith.

This is known as the Shahada. The declaration that Muslims believe is: "there is no God but God and Mohammed is the messenger of God" (p.472). While equally important as the other four pillars, this particular pillar differs in that it is a declaration of Faith and not something that is "practiced". This is the core and cornerstone of the Muslim belief. This affects every aspect of the individual’s life. It governs or should govern how you live, how you think, and how you interact with others. One way of putting it would be that this is the belief and declaration that secures your

conversion.

The second pillar of the Muslim faith is Salat. Salat is the daily prayer. For the Muslim believer prayer should occur five times a day, these prayers are mandatory (p.473). What is prayed is not up to the discretion of the believer, but specific recitations and body movements must be made depending on which prayer is prayed. These prayers are a compilation of verses from the Quran. The times of prayer are at Dawn, Noon, around 3 PM, Dusk, and finally Evening. In prayer the believer talks directly to God, there is no go-between (www.islam-guide.com 2002). Spiritual cleansing is essential before entering into prayer. To properly perform Wudu' One must cleanse their hands, feet, face, and head (p.473). Prayer can be performed in just about any place, what is important is that they are facing the most holy place in Mecca. For American Muslims they would pray facing east. Many Muslims believe it is important to state the intent of prayer. This gives prayer legitimacy and validation. Though it may seem overwhelming to pray five times a day, Muslims welcome the break to devote their full attention toward God. This is a time where they feel at one with the entire global community of Muslims, because they are all united in prayer (p.473).

Zakat is the third of the five pillars. This is a symbol of devotion to God by the believer in terms of their possessions. It is estimated that 2.5% of certain possessions are to be given for alms. These giving’s directly benefit the poor or help in maintaining the community. There is no limit as to how much a person can give which is considered charity or voluntary alms (www.Islam–guide.com 2002). It is believed by giving alms you cleanse your possessions and simultaneously make room for more. It is the responsibility of adult individuals to give their alms, unless in a country such as Pakistan where there is a government collection and distribution system (p.476).

Sawm is the fourth pillar. This is required fasting every year in the month of Ramadan. During this time of fasting Muslims refrain from any food drink and sexual activity. The observed fast times are dawn until sundown daily (Islam–guide.com2002). Only the adolescents and adults are required to fast. There is no minimum age as to when an individual can start fasting, it is solely at their discretion and when they feel they are ready to participate. Other abstentions for Muslims during Ramadan are negative thinking and being argumentative. During this time it is said that the overall morale of the community goes up, and there is a harmony amongst individuals that is brought about during the fast. Finally the fast is broken with a special meal and often shared with friends who have been invited to observe in one day of fasting.

The fifth and last pillar is the Pilgrimage to Mecca. This is known as Hajj (p.478). To make the journey is only required once in a lifetime for a committed believer. It is expected that an individual be physically and financially able to make the journey. Individuals who are not a part of the Muslim faith and are visiting Mecca are not allowed to participate in the Hajj. People come from all over. It is estimated that 2 million people make the journey every year. This journey is observed at a specific time once annually. It is during the second week of the 12th month on the Islamic calendar that the Hajj is performed (www.Islam–guide.com 2002). All of the men wear simple two-piece white garments. This promotes oneness and strips away any status or wealth and says we are equals in the eyes of God. Women are able to wear whatever it is they desire, but choose to dress modestly and unadorned (p.478). One of the important rituals of the Hajj is Tawaf. This is where the individual circles in a counterclockwise motion around the Ka'ba 7 times. This act is believed to be an imitation of the angels circling the throne of God (p.479).
Another commemorative rite during the Hajj is the sa'y. This rite depicts the story of Hagar and Ishmael after being driven out by Sarah Abraham's wife to the desert. While there she began a frantic search for water and it was said that God provided water for her by causing a spring to appear between two hills. The same route today is enclosed inside the great Mosque (p.479). Lastly during the Mecca Hajj there is the journey to Arafat and the standing ceremony these are part of remembering and retelling the story of Abraham and how God provided a ram in the bush at the place of sacrifice for his son. This journey concludes the feast of sacrifice one of the most important holidays of the year.

The five pillars contain the core canons and customs of the Muslim Faith. They are not exhaustive of every practice and belief, but they are a central part of belief system.