If you’ve ever spent any time around Muslims at all, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Five Pillars of Islam. These are the basic things that all Muslims must do. It is not an all-inclusive list; it is merely the minimum. Following this list is not a guaranteed entry to Jannah (heaven), but it is a great start. So, what’s on the list?
[h]Declaration[/h]
The first pillar is the declaration. Known as shahadah, this is the first step a person takes as a Muslim. Once a person has studied Islam and believes in their heart that Islam is truly the word of God, they make this declaration, “lā ilāhā illā-llāhu; muhammadu rasūlu-llāhi” or, in English, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his last Prophet.” Sometimes people will go on to profess a belief in the angels, the holy books, and the other Prophets as well, but belief in the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad is the absolute requirement. In order for the person to be a “true” Muslim, there must be at least two witnesses to the shahadah. Most people profess their belief at the mosque, in front of the imam and one other person, but that is not required.
[h]Prayer[/h]
Once a person has professed to be Muslim, he or she must begin the obligatory daily prayers. Muslims pray five times a day, at set times. This helps keep a Muslim ever mindful of Allah and the things He expects us to do. In Arabic, prayer is called salat.
[h]Fasting[/h]
The next pillar is fasting, or sahm. Muslims must fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. This is a complete fast, and Muslims must abstain from food, drink, or sexual activity. The fast should also be a spiritual fast, and Muslims should refrain from anger, impure thoughts, gossip, and other negative behaviors, as well. Fasting teaches self-control and discipline and greater awareness of Allah’s many gifts.
[h]Charity[/h]
The fourth pillar is zakah, or obligatory charity. In addition to whatever private charity a person decides to give, each person must pay a portion of his wealth each year. In Islam, it is taught that your family has first rights on your wealth, so charity is calculated after your family’s basic needs have been met. If your family is in need and you give charity instead, that is considered a sin.
[h]Pilgrimage[/h]
All Muslims who are able are obligated to make pilgrimage, or hajj, to Mecca. This is a spiritually cleansing trip and Muslims who make it report feeling completely purified and changed. This is not meant to be a hardship, and Muslims without the financial means are excused.
Each of these pillars can be explored more fully, and we will do that in another blog, en sha Allah.
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