FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
1. Shahadah- This is the oath that every person must say and believe in order to be a Muslim. It is as follows: I bear witness that there is no god, but ALLAH and I bear witness that Muhammad is his Messenger. This is the most important tenants of Islam. Islam is vehement in its insistence that God is one, without partners or associates and this God (in Arabic ALLAH) communicates his will to mankind through exemplary men in history. These men are Prophets and/or Messengers of God and they include Adam, Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Aaron, Lot, David, Solomon and Jesus (pbut). The last of the Prophets of God is Muhammad (pbuh) and he has been given a message to convey to all of humanity. That message is the same message given by all of God’s prophets, submission to the will of God. The Arabic word for submission to God’s will is Islam.
2. Worship- called Salat in Arabic; it is the prayer Muslims give to God/ALLAH five times a day. It is not the traditional prayer of requests for God. It is structured for the praise and remembrance of God throughout the day.
3. Charity- called Zakat in Arabic; it is the obligation on every Muslim to give 2.5% of his wealth to the poor, the sick and for travelers in need. God gives people opportunities to help others. One of these opportunities is with one’s wealth, but it also includes sharing your time and effort to help others. In fact, a smile or a kind word is an act of charity and worship in Islam.
4. Fasting-During the month of Ramadhan, all Muslims are required to restrict their consumption of food and drink from sunrise to sunset. They also abstain from sexual relations with their spouse from sunrise to sunset. This is a lesson in self-restraint and a way in which one can feel the struggle of those less-fortunate. This is also a time to reacquaint one’s self with the Qur’an and to renew their commitment to following the decrees set forth in Islam.
5. Hajj- This is the largest pilgrimage in the world. It is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca and it is required of all able bodied Muslims, who can afford it, at least once in their life. Every Muslim, whether rich or poor, black or white, short or tall are all brothers and sisters. We all pray in unison in one direction, at the same time and using the similar words in praise to God and this pilgrimage is the ultimate manifestation of the oneness of the 1.8 billion Muslim community. |
