The Five Pillars of Islam

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Like many other religions, the Muslim faith has experienced many changes and branches. Like Christianity, the original faith is still practiced by some, but others have started new branches with their own unique interpretation being Muslim. Despite these differences within the Muslim religion, one set of rules for moral guidance is central to all. These rules are the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars act as a moral compass for Muslims and are universally accepted as they are mentioned specifically in the Qur’an, the sacred Muslim book of God’s words as they were recited to Muhammad (Molloy, 425).

The first of the Five Pillars is the creed. The creed states, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger,” (Molloy, 431). This pillar is the core for the Muslim faith. When the creed is recited and believed, it is believed that that person is now truly a Muslim. This message is also found all over within the Muslim faith. It is recited daily and frequently written within mosques and private homes (Molloy, 431).

The second pillar is prayer. Devote Muslims pray five times a day, at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nighttime (Molloy, 432). The prayer process for Muslims is rich with ritual. Prayers are called together by a muezzin from atop a tower called a minaret. Another ritual involved with prayer includes a purification process with water or sand, where the believer cleanses their hands, arms, face, neck and feet before beginning. Believers always pray facing Mecca, regardless of whether they are praying in a mosque, at home, or somewhere else. However, if they are praying in a mosque, there will be a leader that orchestrates the recitation, as well as instructs followers on various body posi...

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...ms believe there is a constant battle of good and evil on earth, and choosing to lead an equal and compassionate life will lend well to leading a “good life” (Molloy, 431).

Despite the ever-changing Muslim community, the core structure of their religion, specifically the Five Pillars of Islam, promote a morally sound life amongst its people. After completing the readings on Islamic beliefs, it is easy to see and value the emphasis these people put on community and human dignity. Other religions and organizations around the world could certainly benefit from an education on the rituals and values of the Muslim people.

Works Cited

Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Van Voorst, R. (2011). Anthology of World Scriptures (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

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