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  • Introduction to Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

  • Introduction to mosque architecture

1. The profession of faith (the shahada )

2. daily prayers ( salat ), 3. alms-giving ( zakat ), 4. fasting during ramadan ( saum ), 5. hajj or pilgrimage to mecca, want to join the conversation.

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Five Pillars of Islam

  • Important Principles
  • Prayer Salat
  • Prophets of Islam
  • Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr
  • Hajj and Eid Al Adha
  • M.Ed., Loyola University–Maryland
  • B.S., Child Development, Oregon State University

The “five pillars of Islam” are religious duties that provide a framework for a Muslim’s life. These duties are performed regularly and encompass duties to God, to personal spiritual growth, to care for the poor, self-discipline, and sacrifice.

In Arabic, “arkan” (pillars) provide structure and hold something steadily in place. They provide support, and all must be present for the framework to balance steadily. The articles of faith provide a foundation, answering the question of “what do Muslims believe?” The Five Pillars of Islam help Muslims to structure their lives around that foundation, answering the question of “how do Muslims affirm their faith in daily life?”​

Islamic teachings about the Five Pillars of Islam are found in the Quran and the Hadith. In the Quran, they are not outlined in a neat bullet-pointed list, but are rather dispersed throughout the Quran and emphasized in importance through repetition.

The Prophet Muhammad did mention the five pillars of Islam in an authentic narration ( hadith ):

“Islam has been built upon five [pillars]: testifying that there is no diety but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan” (Hadith Bukhari, Muslim).

Shahaadah (Profession of Faith)

The first act of worship that every Muslim performs is a confirmation of faith, known as the shahaadah . The word shahaadah literally means “to bear witness,” so by professing faith verbally, one is bearing witness to the truth of Islam’s message and its most fundamental teachings. The shahaadah is repeated by Muslims several times each day, both individually and in daily prayer, and it is a frequently-written phrase in Arabic calligraphy .

People who want to convert to Islam do so by simply reciting the shahaadah aloud, preferably in front of two witnesses. There is no other requirement or prerequisite ceremony for embracing Islam. Muslims also strive to say or hear these words as their last, before they die.

Salaat (Prayer)

Daily prayer is a touchstone in a Muslim’s life. In Islam, prayer is directly to Allah alone, directly, without any intermediary or intercessor. Muslims take time out five times each day to direct their hearts towards worship. The movements of prayer – standing, bowing, sitting, and prostrating – represent humility before the Creator. Words of prayer include words of praise and thanks to Allah, verses from the Quran, and personal supplications.

Zakat (Almsgiving)

In the Quran, giving in charity to the poor is often mentioned hand-in-hand with daily prayer. It is central to a Muslim’s core belief that everything we have comes from Allah, and is not ours to hoard or covet. We should feel blessed for everything we have and must be willing to share with those less fortunate. Charity at any time is recommended, but there is also a set percentage required for those who reach a certain minimum net worth.

Sawm (Fasting)

Many communities observe fasting as a way to purify the heart, mind, and body. In Islam, fasting helps us to empathize with those less fortunate, helps us to reprioritize our lives, and brings us closer to Allah in strengthened faith. Muslims may fast throughout the year, but all adult Muslims of sound body and mind must fast during the month of Ramadan each year. The Islamic fast lasts from dawn to sunset each day, during which time no food or drink of any kind is consumed. Muslims also spend the time in additional worship, refrain from bad talk and gossip, and share in friendship and in charity with others.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Unlike the other “pillars” of Islam, which are performed on a daily or annual basis, the pilgrimage is required to be done only once in a lifetime. Such is the impact of the experience and the hardship that it entails. The Hajj pilgrimage occurs during a certain set month every year, lasts for several days, and is only required of those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. 

  • All About Ramadan, Islam's Holy Month
  • The Architecture and History of the Kaaba
  • Shahaadah: Declaration of Faith: Pillar of Islam
  • The 5 Prayers of Islam
  • Key Differences Between Shia and Sunni Muslims
  • What Is Iftar During Ramadan?
  • The Stages of Hajj, the Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah)
  • Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
  • Why Do Muslims End Prayers with "Ameen"?
  • Doors of Jannah
  • Introduction and Resource Guide to Islam
  • Definition of Jannah in Islam
  • Lesson Plans for Eid al Adha, an Islamic Celebration
  • Zakat: the Charitable Practice of Islamic Almsgiving
  • The Importance of the "Hadith" for Muslims
  • Friday Prayer in Islam

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8.5: Five Pillars of Islam

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Five Pillars of Islam

The image, representing the Five Pillars of Islam, is that of a house with each of the pillars holding up the roof of the building. The names of each of the five pillars are written on each column, both in English and Arabic.

The Pillars of Islam are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all believers. The Quran presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. They are:

  • Shahadah (creed)
  • Daily prayers (salat)
  • Almsgiving (zakah)
  • Fasting during Ramadan
  • Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime

The Shia and Sunni sects both agree on the essential details for the performance of these acts.

Ritual prayers, called Ṣalāh or Ṣalāt, must be performed five times a day. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship. Salah is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is allowed depending on circumstances. The prayers are recited in the Arabic language, and consist of verses from the Qur’an.

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, who often refer to it by its Arabic name, masjid. The word mosque in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated to Islamic worship, although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller, privately owned mosque and the larger, “collective” mosque. Although the primary purpose of the mosque is to serve as a place of prayer, it is also important to the Muslim community as a place to meet and study. Modern mosques have evolved greatly from the early designs of the 7th century, and contain a variety of architectural elements such as minarets.

Alms-giving

“Zakāt” (“alms”) is giving a fixed portion of accumulated wealth by those who can afford it to help the poor or needy and for those employed to collect Zakat; also, for bringing hearts together, freeing captives, for those in debt (or bonded labour) and for the (stranded) traveller. It is considered a religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the well-off owe to the needy because their wealth is seen as a “trust from God’s bounty.” Conservative estimates of annual Zakat are estimated to be 15 times global humanitarian aid contributions. The amount of zakat to be paid on capital assets (e.g. money) is 2.5% (1/40), for people who are not poor. The Qur’an and the hadith also urge a Muslim to give even more as an act of voluntary alms-giving called ṣadaqah.

Fasting (ṣawm) from food and drink (among other things) must be performed from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadhan. The fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God, and during it, Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and think of the needy. Sawm is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would constitute an undue burden. For others, flexibility is allowed depending on circumstances, but missed fasts usually must be made up quickly.

Thousands of Muslim congregants dressed in white converge at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Moving in a circular pattern, worshippers make their way to the interior of the Mosque where the rectangular Ka’aba sits.

The pilgrimage, called the ḥajj, has to be done during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. Rituals of the Hajj include:

  • Walking seven times around the Kaaba
  • Walking seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah recounting the steps of Abraham’s wife, while she was looking for water in the desert before Mecca developed into a settlement
  • Spending a day in the desert at Mina and then a day in the desert in Arafat praying and worshiping God and following the foot steps of Abraham
  • Symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina recounting Abraham’s actions (45)

Contributors and Attributions

  • Islam. Authored by : Wikipedia for Schools. Located at : en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

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The Five Pillars of Islam

Almost as soon as the Arab armies of Islam conquered new lands, they began erecting mosques and palaces, as well as commissioning other works of art as expressions of their faith and culture. Connected to this, many aspects of religious practice in Islam also emerged and were codified. The religious practice of Islam, which literally means to submit to God, is based on tenets that are known as the Five Pillars ( arkan ), to which all members of the Islamic community ( u mma ) should adhere.

Shahada (photo: Mustafa and Aziza, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Shahada (photo: Mustafa and Aziza , CC BY-SA 2.0)

1. The profession of faith (the shahada )

The profession of faith (the shahada ) is the most fundamental expression of Is lamic beliefs. It sim ply states that “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet.” It underscores the monotheistic nature of Islam. It is an extremely popular phrase in Arabic calligraphy and appears in numerous manuscripts and religious buildings.

Prayer Rug with Coupled Columns, early 18th century (attributed to Turkey, probably Ladik, Konya), wool (warp, weft and pile), symmetrically knotted pile, 172.7 x 121.9 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Prayer Rug with Coupled Columns, early 18th century (attributed to Turkey, probably Ladik, Konya), wool (warp, weft and pile), symmetrically knotted pile, 172.7 x 121.9 cm ( The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York)

2. Daily prayers ( salat )

Muslims are expected to pray five times a day. This does not mean that they need to attend a mosque to pray; rather, the salat , or the daily prayer, should be recited five times a day. Muslims can pray anywhere; however, they are meant to pray towards Mecca . The faithful are meant to pray by bowing several times while standing and then kneel and touch the ground or prayer mat with their foreheads, as a symbol of their reverence and submission to Allah. On Friday, many Muslims attend the mosque near mid-day to pray and to listen to a sermon ( khutba ).

3. Alms-giving ( zakat )

The giving of alms is the third pillar. Although not defined in the Qu’ran , Muslims believe that they are meant to share their wealth with those less fortunate in their community of believers.

4. Fasting during Ramadan ( saum )

During the holy month of Ramadan (the ninth month in the Islamic calendar), Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to dusk. While there are exceptions made for the sick, elderly, and pregnant, all are expected to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

A Last day of Hajj. All pilgrims leaving Mina, many already in Mecca for farewell circumambulation of Kaaba. Photo by Omar Chatriwala

Last day of Hajj. All pilgrims leaving Mina, many already in Mecca for farewell circumambulation of Kaaba (photo: Omar Chatriwala , CC BY-SA 4.0 )

5. Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca

All Muslims, who are able, are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the Kaaba and walking around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Additional resources

More from Smarthistory on Hajj

More Hajj stories from the Asian Art Museum

More stories of the modern pilgrimage from the British Museum

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The Five Pillars of Islam: Foundation of Muslim Life Essay

Salat (salah).

Islam is among the largest religions in the world that is built on strong religious beliefs for all Islamic faithful. Every Islam in the world is expected to follow the five pillars of Islam, which is the foundation of religion for the Muslim life. Although Islam is made up of the Shia and the Sunni, they all recognize the five pillars of Islam as an essential part of their religion.

The five pillars of Islam outlines the life that all Muslims should pass through according to the hadith of Gabriel. The life of a Muslim is controlled by the five pillars through how they live, pray, relate with other people and during the pilgrimage. All Muslim faithful are required to fulfill the five pillars of Islam during their life-times which are: Shahadah, Salat, Sawm, Zakat and Hajj.

This is the first pillar that helps Muslims to develop a strong faith for Islam through accepting that there exists only one God (Allah) who has Muhammad as his messenger. The Kalima is a recitation for all Muslims based on the first pillar which demonstrates a Muslims total faith to the only existing God.

The pillar establishes the ground to worship God and take instructions from Muhammad as his messenger. The recitation which acknowledges the oneness of God should be recited on a daily basis during prayers and other important religious occasions. However, new converts into the Islam religion are required to learn the citation as a show of total commitment to this religion.

As the second pillar, it is the foundation for the Islamic prayer, which is grounded on the fact that everyone has a direct link with God through prayer. Salat is categorized into five groups of prayers that are performed on a daily basis based on the time which the prayer is recited.

Muslims who live around Mecca are supposed to visit the place five times during the day to say the prayer, but those far away are required to pray while facing the direction of this city. The Morning Prayer is called Fajr, followed by Dhuhr at noon and Asr in the afternoon. Maghrib is performed in the evening, but the last prayer at night is called Isha. Every prayer should be performed after washing as an indication of purification described as wudu in Islam.

New converts are taught the recitation and the required positions during the prayers because there are various postures required while standing or sitting. Additionally, citations for Salat can be performed singly or in groups at any place of convenience, but Friday service is confined to the mosque. Salat is used to enhance the individual communication with God.

This is the fourth pillar of Islam that requires all Muslims to participate in alms-giving according to capability and accumulated wealth. Participating in charity activities to help the less fortunate in the society is considered a service to God which all Muslims should do in their lifetime.

Zakat helps reduce the economic gap in the society through donating 2.5 % of your accumulated wealth to help the poor. However, those with higher ability can donate more than 2.5% according to Sadaqah to obtain more reward from God. It is required that all people giving Zakat should tell God about it, give it on the required date and say a normal prayer without dwelling on it. Also, everyone should give Zakat in kind and distribute it within. Zakat is used to help improve the lives of the poor people in the society.

Fasting in the Islamic religion is based on the fourth pillar which requires fasting to be done during the holy month of Ramadan. It is recognized by the holy book of Islam for all Muslims to undergo fasting as a show of deep personal worship. The Holy Qur’an gives the directions on how the fasting should be done as it prepares every Muslim to experience the pain poor people undergo.

The holy month of fasting is occasioned after sighting of the new moon where all Muslims are not supposed to eat or drink from morning to evening. After the fasting period is over, a special meal will be organized to mark the break of fasting. The celebrations will be done for three days where everyone will unite with the other and give children presents. Sawm is used to praise God and enhance closeness through prayers.

This is the fifth pillar of Islam that requires all able Muslims to visit Mecca once in their lifetime during which they demonstrate complete obligation to the requirements of Islamic religion. It is a very essential pillar in the Islamic religion because Mecca is regarded as the holy city in the Islamic religion.

This is done in resemblance to the pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad. It is required that both men and women should seven times around Kaaba and touch the black stone during the hajj. Hajj is used to demonstrate the Islamic faith and unity among Muslims in the world.

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IvyPanda. (2019, January 17). The Five Pillars of Islam: Foundation of Muslim Life. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-five-pillars-of-islam-2/

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1. IvyPanda . "The Five Pillars of Islam: Foundation of Muslim Life." January 17, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-five-pillars-of-islam-2/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Five Pillars of Islam: Foundation of Muslim Life." January 17, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-five-pillars-of-islam-2/.

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Five Pillars of Islam, Essay Example

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Islam is one of the major religions of the world. With over one billion followers, it is second only to Christianity in size. Similar to Christianity, it is a monotheistic religion with the same Abrahamic God as Christianity and Judaism. In fact, it recognizes the prophets from each of those religions although it feels that their holy books have been corrupted by later human beings. The most quoted prophet of Islam is Jesus, the divine basis of Christianity. His divinity is rejected by Islam, but his importance is not. To Islam, the Quran, the holy book dictated by the final prophet Muhammad, is the only completely pure version of God’s revelation. Muhammad was a sixth century merchant before a visit from the Archangel Gabriel set him on a life of God’s work in which he would found this religion. The religion spread through empires and immigration and now reaches all corners of the Earth.

The basic tenets of the Islam are referred to as the Five Doctrines of Islamic Faith. They are the core beliefs that Islam is built on. To satisfy these tenets, a Muslim must believe Allah is the one single God, that there are angels who serve to advance God’s mission, that there are prophets who God uses to communicate with humanity, that the Quran is the one completely true scripture of His revelation, and that all will be judged by God someday. These beliefs are ultimately reflected in the practices of Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam are not a list of beliefs, but practices that are to be followed by Muslims. Of course, beliefs inform and influence practices so the Five Doctrines are well reflected in the Five Pillars. These pillars are statement of faith, prayer, concern for the disadvantaged, fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as the Hajj. Following these practices is of the utmost importance for a Muslim wishing to be judged favorable.

The connections between the pillars and doctrines of the religion are rather straightforward in some cases. The statement of faith, or Shahada, is where one must state their belief in one single God and that Muhammad is His prophet. There is obviously a connection between this practice and the beliefs in Allah as a monotheistic God and his use of prophets. Prayer is to be used as a means to communicate with God and have him guide them along a path that will lead to a favorable judgment, which connects it to the tenet of judgment.

In a way almost all of the tenets of Islam show the importance of the spiritual world over the material world. Most prominently a belief in God and angels is rooted primarily in the spiritual world. Also, judgment is not a part of the physical world in anyway. Some of the pillars of Islam are there to emphasize the importance of the spiritual world. Both fasting and concern for the poor ask Muslims to abstain from physical world goods which should help them realize the importance of the non physical world. Prayer is also important in this aspect, as it is how humans may communicate with a being that lives in the spiritual world.

Since each of the Five Pillars is believed to be sent from God through humans, practicing them shows belief in the prophets and the truth of revelation in the Quran. This is because these are the methods God is to have used to communicate his wish for these practices to be done. Another tenet that is shown in each Pillar would be the belief in final judgment. If humans are to be judged on their actions and the strength of their belief in God, then fulfilling five acts that are given to them from God is a way to help their chances for this final judgment. Prayer is especially important in this regard, since it is supposed to help God communicate with the follower about how he is to secure this favorable judgment.

The most challenging of the Five Pillars in my opinion would be the required fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan. It is the one that requires the largest physical sacrifice and must be done annually, unlike the Hajj, which while a great undertaking especially for those who live in areas of the world outside of Saudi Arabia, is only required once in a lifetime for each Muslim. However, there is certainly a great challenge involved in having absolute belief in a being that cannot be directly seen. It would be quite natural to have doubts, but in Islam a believer must believe fully in Allah. The least challenging would depend on the context. In fact, each pillar presents some difficulty in it. Living in a Muslim society that adheres to a prayer schedule would make it easy for one to pray every day. In a society that does not follow the Islamic faith or even looks at it distrustfully, finding the time to pray and feeling the courage to do it amongst people who may view you negatively for it would be considerably more difficult. In this case I feel that concern for the disadvantaged, an almost universally accepted premise would be the easiest to adhere to. Although, it is certainly easier to feel this way for Muslims than it is for them to truly practice in a way that shows the depth of their concern for the less fortunate of the world.

In conclusion, each of the Five Pillars of Islam is connected in some ways to at least one of the Five Doctrines of the Islamic Faith. They may remind a Muslim of the importance of the spiritual world, which is in line with tents of Angels, God himself, and final judgment. Ultimately in some way they all show the importance of God’s prophets and the Quran as his revelation as well as helping to guide all followers of Islam towards a favorable judgment. There is some difficulty in fulfilling each pillar, but some are considerably more challenging than others.

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MECCA Institute Logo

5 Pillars of Islam Guide from a Progressive Muslim Perspective

5 Pillars of Islam

In this guide, Imam Daayiee Abdullah discusses the importance of the 5 pillars in Islam, including their meaning in Muslim lives.

The 5 pillars of Islam (“أركان الإسلام” or ‘Arkan ul Islam) metaphorically signify the foundation upon which the faith stands. Each pillar represents a fundamental aspect that is crucial to a Muslim’s way of life. In other words, these are to hold up a person’s life.

What are the five pillars of Islam? The five pillars are the declaration of faith, the obligatory prayers, the prescribed alms tax, the imposed fasting, and the once-in-a-lifetime required pilgrimage.

Because of their Quranic origin, the concept of the five pillars is universally shared by most major denominations, including Sunnism, Shi’ism, and Sufism. While there may be some differences in interpretation or emphasis on certain aspects of these pillars, they are foundational to the lifestyles of Muslims across different schools of thought within Islam.

Like Sufism, Progressive Islam is not rigid in its approach. Progressive Muslims can be of any school of thought so long as they are progressive in their manner of living, including accepting this diversity. As a result, members of the MECCA Institute do not have to follow any of these pillars because we welcome all Muslims, including cultural Muslims.

Let us expand on these pillars.

Table of Contents

1. Declaration of Faith

The shahada (الشَّهَادَةُ) is the most basic of these beliefs because this is the affirmation of a Muslim’s creed. The shahada has several parts, depending on the school of thought. For example, Sunnism proposes that there are two parts, while Shi’ism argues there are three.

All Abrahamic people share the first part and proclaims that there is no god but God. In Arabic, this is “La ilaha ila Allah” (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ‎). For Muslims, the first part comes from verses in the Quran (directly in 37:35 and 47:19), referenced in over fifty times.

“Muhammaddun rasul-ul-lah” (مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله), or “And Muhammad is his messenger,” is unique to the Muslim faith. This is what separates a Muslim from a Christian or a Jew. This part of the shahada declares the legitimacy of Prophet Muhammad. The Quran proclaims this directly and indirectly in many places, but it starts with verse 29 of the 48th sura or chapter.

Meanwhile, the “wa’ Aliyyun waliyy-ul-lah” (وَعَلِيٌّ وَلِيُّ ٱللَّٰهِ), or “And Ali is a Guardian of God,” is exclusive to Shia Muslims. Shi’ism argues that the Quran, specifically in 5:55, which they call the verse of “wilaya” or guardians. Although the verse says all good Muslims are guardians, they choose to name Ali as a protest of historical facts, where it was Abu Bakr who inherited the leadership position from Prophet Muhammad.

Finally, Progressive Muslims do not subscribe to particular shahada since we are diverse in our backgrounds. While I’m of the Sunni school, there are prominent Progressive Muslims who are of Shia background.

Salah - 5 Pillars of Islam

In Islam, salah (“صَلَوٰة” or Prayer) is an obligatory prayer that Muslims offer at various times of the day, depending on what type of Muslim you are.

The salah, as a word in connection to this practice, appears in the Quran in nearly 100 instances, including verse 114 of Sura 11. The directive in 11:114 has led to differences of opinion over the centuries.

Sunnis proclaim that this verse tells us to pray five times, with 2 in the first part of the day (morning and early afternoon), 2 in the second part of the day (late afternoon and sunset), and 1 in the evening (after nightfall).

Shi’ism disputes this. Shi’ism says the prayers are to be performed three times per the verse: in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Yet, like Sunnis, Shia Muslims perform five prayers each day.

Sufis, who can be Sunni or Shia or other, perform the salah according to their school of thought, and this is exactly what Progressive Muslims do.

Other differences include how to actually perform the prayers, including what to say, and the difference of opinion, which is rooted in secondary sources such as the Hadith.

3. Almsgiving

In Islam, zakat (“زكاة” or alms tax) is a prescribed giving of a portion of a Muslim’s wealth to those in need, calculated at various percentages in different denominations. In Sunnism, for example, it is 2.5%.

Like the previous pillars, the alms tax is mentioned throughout the Quran, although 2:177 is probably the clearest definition. In this verse, charity and alms tax are differentiated, noting that while charity can be given to a host of people, including family members, alms tax is specifically for paying (to the state or community leaders).

Zakat has roots in social justice and is a way to redistribute wealth to those in need, as well as purify one’s wealth. It is also a way to strengthen bonds of compassion and solidarity within the community.

Once again, this is an area where there is plenty of disagreement, even within the same schools. For example, Hanbali Muslims (Saudi Arabia, for example) do not pay zakat on currencies, whereas other schools of Sunnism require anything above what it would cost to purchase 4.8 grams of gold, the equivalent of $300 in 2024.

In Shi’ism, zakat does not have a percentage associated with it at all, and they only pay zakat on nine specific items, which are gold, silver, camel, cattle, sheep, goat, wheat, barley, dates, and raisins.

Sufi and Progressive Muslims pay according to their schools of thought, and when there isn’t a school of thought association, a person is invited to pay whatever they can.

Sawm (“صوم” or fasting) is observing imposed fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims observe by abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, which is a lunar calendar that has 354 or 355 days over 12 months. As a result, Ramadan falls on different dates of the Gregorian Calendar, used in most Muslim countries as a civil calendar.

In 2020, Ramadan started on April 23, and on April 12 in 2021, and on March 22 in 2021, and so on. Overall, the year is about 11 days shorter.

As with all 5 pillars of Islam, fasting is based on the Quran. The most immediate verse prescribing it is 2:183.

Fasting instills self-discipline, nurtures empathy for the less fortunate, creates spiritual reflection, and is a way to strengthen a deeper connection to God. Many Muslims, especially in the modern age, see it as a physical and mental rejuvenation, too.

Once again, Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Ramadan a little differently. Sunni Muslims break their fast at sunset, while Shia Muslims wait until all light has disappeared from the sky. Depending on the location, it can take 70-140 minutes later for a Shia to break their fast.

Both Sufi and Progressive Muslims follow individual preferences based on schools of thought.

5. Pilgrimage

Hajj (“حَجّ” or pilgrimage)is making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.

Pilgrimage is a way for spiritual purification, strengthening faith, promoting unity among Muslims worldwide, and cultivating equality and humility before God.

Hajj takes place from the first day to the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar. As a result, like Ramadan, it shifts backward for about 11 days each year on the Gregorian Calendar, used by Muslims worldwide as a civil calendar.

Verse 2:197 mandates the hajj, and it also discourages intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage.

There are major differences in how Muslims observe the hajj, depending on the denomination. For example, a Sunni woman needs a “mahram” or guardian to go to Hajj, whereas a Shia woman does not need one.

Another important difference is that a Sunni can only observe proxy hajj, a hajj on behalf of someone, once he has performed it for himself. In Shi’ism, you can perform the hajj for others before you complete your own.

Similarly, a Sunni woman is not allowed to do proxy hajj at all, whereas a Shia woman can perform proxy hajj. However, Sunnis have a loophole where she can pay for someone, typically living in Saudi Arabia, to perform on behalf of whoever she wants to offer the proxy hajj for. This is one of the booming industries around pilgrimage.

The 5 pillars are essential to Muslims. These pillars form the core framework of faith, worship, and practice that guide our daily lives and spiritual growth.

Due to their Quranic roots, the concept of the 5 pillars of islam is widely accepted among major denominations like Sunnism, Shi’ism, and Sufism. Although interpretations vary, these pillars are fundamental to practices in every branch.

In Progressive Islam, we do not concern ourselves with policing people as it relates to their faith, beliefs, and practices. As I previously stated, we welcome Muslims of all backgrounds, including those who come to us on a cultural level.

May Allah continue to guide us all.

Imam Daayiee Abdullah is the Executive Director of  MECCA Institute   and the author of “Progressive Islam,” a  historic book  that defines Progressive Islam. 

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5 pillars of islam essay

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam:

  • Profession of Faith ( shahada ). The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God" is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur'an , Islam's holy book of divine revelations. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.
  • Prayer ( salat ). Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter ( sura ) of the Qur'an, and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose (see image 24 ). Muslims can pray individually at any location (fig. 1) or together in a mosque, where a leader in prayer ( imam ) guides the congregation. Men gather in the mosque for the noonday prayer on Friday; women are welcome but not obliged to participate. After the prayer, a sermon focuses on a passage from the Qur'an, followed by prayers by the imam and a discussion of a particular religious topic.
  • Alms ( zakat ). In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims build mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions both as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated with charity.

Fasting ( sawm ). During the daylight hours of Ramadan , the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of and gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives—including the Qur'an, which was first revealed during this month. During Ramadan they share the hunger and thirst of the needy as a reminder of the religious duty to help those less fortunate.

Portrait of Prince Muhammad Buland Akhtar, known as Achhe Sahib, at Prayer: Folio from an album

Fig. 1. Portrait of Prince Muhammad Buland Akhtar, known as Achhe Sahib, at Prayer: Folio from an album , 17th century; painter: Hujraj; India; ink and opaque watercolor on paper; 13 1/16 x 9 in. (33.2 x 22.9 cm); The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1925 (25.138.2) This illustration shows a Mughal prince praying on a mat that features an arch recalling the shape of a prayer niche ( mihrab ), symbolic of the gateway to Paradise. The prince is barefoot as a gesture of humility before God. The simplicity of his surroundings is an indication of piety; the emphasis here is on the prince's spiritual nature rather than the opulence of his costume or surroundings (which is the case in many royal Mughal portraits; see The Mughal Court and the Art of Observation ).

Pilgrimage ( hajj ). Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Ka'ba , a cubical structure covered in black embroidered hangings, is at the center of the Haram Mosque in Mecca (fig. 2). Muslims believe that it is the house Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) built for God, and face in its direction ( qibla ) when they pray. Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, believers from all over the world have gathered around the Ka'ba in Mecca on the eighth and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar.

Folio from the Futuh al-Haramain (Description of the Holy Cities)

Fig. 2. Folio from the Futuh al-Haramain (Description of the Holy Cities) , mid-16th century; by Muhi al-Din Lari; Turkey; ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; 8 3/8 x 5 3/4 in. (21.3 x 13.3 cm); The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1932 (32.131) This book illustration provides a schematic view of the innermost enclosure of the Haram Mosque in Mecca. It includes six minarets, the names of the gates, and even shows mosque lamps hanging in the arcades around the Ka'ba at the center of the composition. The book is a pilgrimage manual, which describes the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and the rituals that pilgrims are required to perform at each location. The most important of these rituals include walking around the Ka'ba seven times, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa to commemorate the story of Ishmael (Isma'il in Arabic) and his mother, and symbolically stoning the devil in the area of Mina.

RELATED AUDIO FROM THE GALLERY GUIDE

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Sheila Canby: The call to prayer reminds pious Muslims five times a day to make their prayers to God. Imam Shamsi Ali, from the Islamic Cultural Center of New York, recites it for us in his beautiful voice.

[Recitation]

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Five Pillars of Islam Essay

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Zainab Abed

a) Describe the five pillars of Islam. (8 marks)

The five pillars of Islam are five obligatory duties that a Muslim must perform. The pillars are acts of worship and show submission to Allah. The five pillars are Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj.

Shahadah is the declaration of faith and is the fundamental belief of Islam. ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah’. This belief shows awareness of God as one.

Salah is the ritual prayer. Muslims practice two types of prayer and they are Dua’a and Salah. Dua’a is the prayer of petition (asking) and invocation (pleading). This prayer can be said anywhere and at anytime. Salah is the prayer performed five times a day – dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night. This prayer can be performed anywhere that is clean, but it must be facing the direction of Mecca. Before Salah, Muslims must ritually wash and stand on clean ground or a prayer mat. Salah must be performed for the right intention or in Arabic niyyah. Salah is performed in a set pattern and there are movements that are performed called rakahs. Salah is obligatory for men, women and children from the age of 12.

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Zakah is almsgiving or giving money to the poor and needy. Muslims do not like it to be called charity as the money that it belongs to is Allah. It is a gift made to God. Zakah is a proportion of a person’s disposable income and is paid every year and has a special significance. It is a way of showing kindness to the poor, a means of helping spread the faith and assisting those in debt or who are poor and needy. No one should refuse to Zakah or feel ashamed in receiving it because, as mentioned before, it is a gift from God.

Sawm is fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan. Muslims must not eat or drink during the hours of daylight. Sawm is a religious duty and a joyful act that helps develop self discipline and is a way of identifying the needs of those that are poor.

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are expected to go on hajj at least once in their lifetime, providing that they are in good health and can afford it. The pilgrimage is very symbolic and is full of rituals.

Some of the pillars are observed everyday by a Muslim and some are observed annually.

b) Explain how keeping one of the five pillars might affect the life and beliefs of a Muslim. (7 marks)

Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and is performed five times a day. It is an obligatory duty that all Muslim must perform. It affects every aspects of their life in four ways.

It affects them individually because they are becoming closer to Allah and are being led on the right path.

It also affects them morally because they are resisting temptation by praying five times a day.

It affects a Muslim spiritually because again they are at one with God whilst they are praying.

Also, it affects them socially as there are many Muslims around the world and they are become united with the fact that they are performing Salah no matter where they are and the many millions of Muslims around the world are known as the ummah and Salah united them all worldwide. Prayer keeps the religion strong and the tradition alive.

c) ‘All the five pillars are of equal importance to a Muslim.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. (5 marks)

Some Muslims would agree with this statement because all of the five pillars of Islam are obligatory duties, acts of worship and show submission to Allah and that is why they are all equally important. Muslims perform each one either annually, for example hajj, and daily, for example, Salah.

Some Muslims would disagree with the statement and say that the Shahadah is the most important pillar of Islam because it is the fundamental belief and without a Muslim believing in the Shahadah then they don’t believe in the rest of the pillars. Also, Salah maybe be viewed as the most important pillar of Islam as it is performed five times a day, everyday.

However, I think that all five pillars have equal importance because as I have written above, they are all acts of worship and they uphold the faith. They are all obligatory duties and each and every single one of them shows the submission to Allah.    

Five Pillars of Islam Essay

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Essay On The Five Pillars Of Islam

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Church , Human , Muslim , Belief , Middle East , Islam , Peace , Religion

Words: 1500

Published: 02/12/2020

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Islam is the submission of oneself to the Will of the almighty God or Allah. The submission comes from within, genuine belief to the almighty Allah and without any doubt. In addition, if a person submits himself to Allah, it comes from heart full of faithfulness. Allah is the Creator of all creatures on earth and that includes humankind. Muslims believe that Allah is a Creator, not just an extraordinary god. The messenger of Allah is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and accepted the holy word of the almighty Allah through Gabriel, the archangel or the Holy Spirit. The revelation consists of the Islam religion. The genuine revelation is recorded in a book form, the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the accurate word of the almighty Allah to humankind. Muslims, are persons who believes in Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as the messenger of the almighty Allah and Allah as the only Creator. Muslims testify to their belief as witnesses announcing their faithfulness and accept Islam as their religion. A person from any race who follows Islam as their religion is a true Muslim. Islam religion has its simplicity and practicality. The convictions and commandments are clear and easy to understand by any followers of Islam. The Islam religion confirms faith in a manner of decency in a civilized society. In addition, the Islam religion only demands possible righteousness for the faithful followers. The Islam religion believes that everyone commits mistake or sin and nobody is exempted. Islam spread the holy word of Allah in harmony, forgiveness, fairness, serenity, equal opportunity, compassion, genuineness, decency, honesty, and virtue. It also spread the truth that Allah is the only Creator, the only powerful God of all humankind, and Allah is the Almighty. The Five Pillars of Islam is the most important practices of Muslims. In order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam, Muslims perform these five obligations faithfully. The Five Pillars of Islam is the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars consist of Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah or Salat), Charity (Zakah or Zakat), Fasting (Sawm), and Pilgrimage (Hajj). The declaration of faith is the Shahadah, a simple way that all the faithful pronounces, “There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (Peace on him) is the messenger of Allah.” This declaration has its significance, the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey Allah. This can only be achieved through the teachings and practices of the last prophet, Muhammad. The obligatory Muslim prayers that are performed five times a day is called Salah or Salat, the second pillar of Islam. Salah is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. Prayers are said at dawn (Salat al-fajr), mid-day or after the sun passes its highest (Salat al-zuhr), late part of the afternoon (Salat al-‘asr), just after sunset (Salat al-maghrib), and nightfall or between sunset and midnight (Salat al-‘sha). These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an and in Arabic language. However, for personal supplications, prayers are offered in one’s own language. Prayer sets the rhythm of the day for the entire population including non-Muslims through public call from the mosques. Muslim prayers are not simply phrases spoken by worshippers. The prayer involves the unity of mind, soul, and body in worship. Children begin to observe prayers from puberty and some begin earlier. Muslims perform a whole series of set movements that goes with the words of the prayer. In addition, Muslims do not pray for the benefit of Allah because the Creator does not need human prayers at all. Allah has told the worshippers to pray for themselves to obtain great benefits. The third pillar of Islam is Sawm. In the month of Ramad-an, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown. The ninth month of the lunar calendar is the Ramad-an. Fasting is an obligation on every healthy adult Muslims. Muslims during fasting abstain from food, drinks, and intimate relations with their spouses. Some Muslims are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. Those who are permitted are the sick, elderly, on a journey, women who are menstruating, pregnant, and nursing. They feed the poor one meal for each day of fasting they missed. Children begin to fast from puberty and some begin earlier. In addition, fasting is a time to discipline one’s self and avoid bad behaviors like argument and to say mean things toward others. A fasting person focuses on his purpose in life by being aware of the presence of Allah constantly. In the Qur’an, Allah states: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183). In addition, “d al Fitr is a festive that celebrates the end of Ramad-an. Zakah or Zakat is the fourth pillar of Islam. This is the financial obligation or act of charity of Muslims. An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to Allah, and the wealth is entrusted to humankind. The word Zakah or Zakat means purification and growth. Muslims have the possession of purified selves by setting aside a proportion for the needy and for the society as a whole. Each Muslim, male or female, calculates his or her own Zakah individually. This involves the annual obligatory charity on every Muslims, a fortieth of one’s excess wealth that excludes items as primary residence, car, and professional tools. The government workers who are not free to make money elsewhere are also supported by the Zakah. The fifth or the last pillar of Islam is the Hajj or Pilgrimage. Every Muslim around the world is required once in a lifetime to perform the pilgrimage to Makkah, Suadi Arabia, only if financially and physically able to do so. Hajj begins every year during the month of Dul Hejja, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The Hajj is a spiritual journey where devoted Muslims forget all worldly things and focus their attention and time to Allah alone. All Muslims from every corner of the world have the opportunity to meet one another. Pilgrims wear special clothes, simple garments that set aside distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah. The person on the Hajj may not engage in marital relations, shave, or cut their nails, use scented oils, kill or hunt anything, and fight or argue. In addition, women must not cover their faces even they practice it in their home country, men may not wear clothes that has stitching, and bathing is allowed but scented soaps are highly not permitted. In an Abrahamic origin, the rites of the hajj include the privilege to go around the Ka’bah seven times and to go between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. Later, the pilgrims stand together on the wide plains of ‘Arafat, a large area of desert outside Makkah. The purpose to stand together is to join in prayers for Allah’s forgiveness, as often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment. ‘Id al Adha is a festival that ends the hajj; this is to celebrate with prayers and the exchange of gifts from Muslim communities everywhere. The faithfulness to Islam, as with other religion, varies with the strength of the beliefs of the individuals. There are times that culture and traditions hinder with religion or sometimes outdo the religion. Some individuals claim something that their culture and tradition is part of the religion, in fact, it is not. They even do things that have no justification in Islam or prohibited. It is portrayed by some as the doctrine of the religion of Islam. In addition, the belief and practices of Muslims should not be judged according to the beliefs and the laws of other religion. Since some lawful practices of one religion is unlawful to the other religion. There are times that a conduct of an individual is an offensive act and vice versa even this act is not meant to offend an individual. For example, Islam commands Muslims to lower their eyes when they talk to other individual; this is an act of out of respect and honor for others. This act may offend other culture in which eye contact is very important in communication. In this world, to live in peace and harmony, an individual should realize that individuals or we are created differently unique. We vary in the colors of the skin, our languages, cultures, traditions, and religion. Individuals may be different but it does not mean that they are bad or evil. We praise God in a different way; still we are part of this beautiful world called humankind.

Muhammad, A. (2013). Frontline. Islamic Beliefs, Law and Practice, Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/muslims/themes/beliefs.html BBC Religions (2009). Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam, Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/fivepillars.shtml

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  1. The Five Pillars of Islam (article)

    Almost as soon as the Arab armies of Islam conquered new lands, they began erecting mosques and palaces and commissioning other works of art as expressions of their faith and culture. Many aspects of religious practice in Islam also emerged and were codified. The religious practice of Islam, which literally means "to submit to God", is based on tenets that are known as the Five Pillars (arkan ...

  2. The Five Pillars of Islam

    The second Islamic pillar is Salat or prayer. This tenet involves profession of wrongdoings. The profession process begins with the cleansing of oneself and spirit. Prayer is undertaken five times every day, from dawn to dusk. There are five prayers that fallunder Salat are Fajr, Shurooq, Asr, Dhuhr, Isha and Maghrib.

  3. 5 Pillars of Islam

    There are five key practices that all Muslims are obligated to fulfil throughout their lifetime. These practices are referred to as pillars because they form the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars of Islam are Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.

  4. What Are the Five Pillars of Islam?

    Huda. Updated on August 30, 2018. The "five pillars of Islam" are religious duties that provide a framework for a Muslim's life. These duties are performed regularly and encompass duties to God, to personal spiritual growth, to care for the poor, self-discipline, and sacrifice. In Arabic, "arkan" (pillars) provide structure and hold ...

  5. Five Pillars of Islam

    The Five Pillars of Islam (arkān al-Islām أركان الإسلام; also arkān ad-dīn أركان الدين "pillars of the religion") are fundamental practices in Islam, considered to be obligatory acts of worship for all Muslims. They are summarized in the hadith of Gabriel. The Sunni and Shia agree on the basic details of the performance and practice of these acts, but the Shia do not ...

  6. The Five Pillars of Islam Religion

    The Five Pillars of Islam Religion Essay. Religion and human society have always been a great part of any country or nation. A person's belief in something that is unexplained and higher is inseparable from a human being. Islam is a religion that has many followers, even though the rules and beliefs are rather strict and hard to follow.

  7. 8.5: Five Pillars of Islam

    The Pillars of Islam are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all believers. The Quran presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. They are: Shahadah (creed) Daily prayers (salat) Almsgiving (zakah) Fasting during Ramadan. Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime.

  8. Pillars of Islam

    Pillars of Islam, the five religious acts that are considered obligatory for all Muslims: shahadah, the Muslim profession of faith; salat, daily prayer; zakat, the paying of alms to benefit the poor and needy; sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan; and hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.

  9. Smarthistory

    On Friday, many Muslims attend the mosque near mid-day to pray and to listen to a sermon ( khutba ). 3. Alms-giving ( zakat) The giving of alms is the third pillar. Although not defined in the Qu'ran, Muslims believe that they are meant to share their wealth with those less fortunate in their community of believers. 4.

  10. The five pillars of Islam

    The five pillars of Islam outlines the life that all Muslims should pass through according to the hadith of Gabriel. The life of a Muslim is controlled by the five pillars through how they live, pray, relate with other people and during the pilgrimage. All Muslim faithful are required to fulfill the five pillars of Islam during their life-times ...

  11. PDF The Five Pillars of Islam

    The Second Pillar of Islam: The Prayer Salah is the daily ritual prayer enjoined upon all Muslims as one of the five Pillars of Islam. It is performed five times a day by all Muslims. Salah is a precise worship, different from praying on the inspiration of the moment. Muslims pray or, perhaps more correctly, worship five times throughout the day:

  12. PDF The Five Pillars

    These acts of worship, often called the "Five Pillars of Islam," are based in the Qur'an and Sunnah and interpreted by the 'ulama in the first three centuries of Islam. The Five Pillars are: the shahadah, salat, zakat, sawm, and Hajj. These grounding commitments shape the lives and practices of Muslims throughout the world, including in ...

  13. Essay on The Five Pillars of Islam

    Shahadah is the first of the Five Pillars in Islam. More specifically, Shahadah is a declaration of faith. Included in this manifesto, a Muslim proclaims that Allah is the only God and Muhammad is His messenger. "He recognizes that God alone is the …show more content…. The practice of performing charitable acts is another pillar of Islam.

  14. Practices in Islam The Five Pillars of Islam

    These combine some of the Five Pillars of Islam and jihad, which applies to all Muslims, so it is the final five acts that distinguish Shi'a practice from Sunni tradition. Salah. Zakah.

  15. Five Pillars of Islam, Essay Example

    The Five Pillars of Islam are not a list of beliefs, but practices that are to be followed by Muslims. Of course, beliefs inform and influence practices so the Five Doctrines are well reflected in the Five Pillars. These pillars are statement of faith, prayer, concern for the disadvantaged, fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca ...

  16. PDF Five Pillars of Islam

    The Five Pillars of Islam (arkān-al-Islām أركان الإسلام ; also arkān ad-dīn أركان الدين "pillars of the religion") are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory by Sunni Muslims. These are summarized in the famous Hadith of Gabriel.[1] [2] [3] [4]

  17. 5 Pillars of Islam Guide from a Progressive Muslim Perspective

    2. Prayer. "Salah" or prayer is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. In Islam, salah ("صَلَوٰة" or Prayer) is an obligatory prayer that Muslims offer at various times of the day, depending on what type of Muslim you are. The salah, as a word in connection to this practice, appears in the Quran in nearly 100 instances, including verse ...

  18. The Five Pillars of Islam

    The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam: Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God" is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur'an, Islam's holy book of divine ...

  19. Beliefs and practices

    The Five Pillars are visible signs of the Muslim way of life and of Muslims' unity with other members of Islam worldwide. 1. Shahadah - the declaration of faith

  20. The 5 Pillars of Islam

    The 5 Pillars of Islam . Abstract . In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay's first paragraph. "The basic rites of Islam that were revealed to the Prophet are the "pillars" of Islam. These are considered to be the entire ritual structure of the Islamic religion because they are the five essential and obligatory practices that all Muslims ...

  21. Five Pillars of Islam Essay

    Five Pillars of Islam Essay. 4. a) Describe the five pillars of Islam. (8 marks) The five pillars of Islam are five obligatory duties that a Muslim must perform. The pillars are acts of worship and show submission to Allah. The five pillars are Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj. Shahadah is the declaration of faith and is the fundamental ...

  22. The Five Pillars Of Islam Essay

    The Five Pillars of Islam is the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars consist of Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah or Salat), Charity (Zakah or Zakat), Fasting (Sawm), and Pilgrimage (Hajj). The declaration of faith is the Shahadah, a simple way that all the faithful pronounces, "There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Prophet ...

  23. 5 Pillars Of Islam Essay

    5 Pillars Of Islam Essay. 1554 Words7 Pages. ISLAM - From Arabic 'islam 'submission', from 'aslama 'submit (to God)'. • Islam as a way of life - Islam's basis is upon one Almighty Allah as God - the oneness of the creator as well as the well as the understanding that Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him*) is the final ...

  24. Pillars of Islam essay

    Pillars of Islam Kasara Rodriguez. Grand Canyon University: INT 244. 2/13/ Pillars of Islam In the Islamic religion, the five pillars are the core believes and practices that are considered obligatory for every devout Muslim. These practices include the declaration of faith, prayer, alms, fasting, and pilgrimage.