Download The Five Pillars of Islam - Dialogue Australasia Network

ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE
Ewing Avenue, Bull Creek, Western Australia
YR.9 CRAVE
THE FIVE PILLARS
7/7/04
In order to help Muslims focus on
tawhid (the oneness of God), the
Quran outlines five acts of discipline
that believers should do in their lives.
These acts have become known as the
five pillars. They are not literal pillars; rather they are acts
which form the basis of Islam. In the same way that a house is
built on pillars, the religion of Islam is built on these acts of
discipline:
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SHAHADAH - Muslim declaration of faith
SALAH - ritual prayer five times a day
ZAKAH - almsgiving / giving money to charity
SAUM - fasting during the month of Ramadan
HAJJ - pilgrimage to Mecca
The five-pointed star is the most common symbol for the Islamic religion. Each point on the
star helps to remind Muslims about their duty to obey the five pillars. The moon and star
symbolises the greatness of Allah the creator.
The five pillars of Islam are commands in the Quran which came directly from Allah via the
prophet Muhammad who detailed them in depth during his last great public sermon. The
Quran makes it very clear that nobody can be forced to be religious: "Let there be no
compulsion in religion" (Surah 2:256). However, the five pillars are generally regarded as
standard practice for a sincere Muslim. Few Muslims choose not to obey them.
THE SHAHADAH
The Shahadah is the first of the five pillars of Islam. It is a declaration of faith divided into
two parts: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet".
Every Muslim, before he or she can claim to be Muslim, has to acknowledge in the heart and
in public the belief that Allah really exists, and the acceptance that Muhammad was Allah's
genuine prophet. After this, it is the Muslim's duty to pass this knowledge on to others: "It is
Allah Who has named you Muslim's, both before and in this revelation; that the Messenger
[Muhammad] may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for all humanity" (2:277)
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TASK 1) Why do you think Muslim's have a duty to pass their knowledge of the
Shahadah on to other non Muslims?
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The Shahadah comes before all of the other pillars because it sums up the personal intent of
each individual Muslim. The Shahadah is pronounced both at the birth of a new baby
(whispered into its ear), and as the last words uttered before death (only of course if this is
possible). Muslims tend also to declare it on waking each day; and as the last thing before
going to sleep at night.
TASK 2) What do you think is the significance of saying the Shahadah at these specific
moments?
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Effectively the Shahadah is a profession of the 'oneness' of God; according to a Muslim it will
also represent a declaration of the truth. When people make this declaration and truly believe
it in their hearts, then they have entered the Islamic faith. There is no ceremony like a
Christian baptism; what counts is the conscious awareness and firm belief that one genuinely
does hold these two beliefs i.e. "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet".
The Shahadah forbids Muslims to create other Gods, thus underlining tawhid the oneness of
God. Another way to express this is to say that Muslims are monotheists; that is they believe
in one God who created the universe. The first part of the Shahadah therefore underlines the
importance of monotheism in Islamic belief.
The second part of the Shahadah: “…Muhammad is His [Allah’s] prophet" emphasises the
fact that the man Muhammad speaks to mankind on behalf of Allah. As the revelations given
to Muhammad from Allah were eventually written down in the Quran, it is easy to see why
Muslims treat their sacred scriptures with such respect.
The notion of tawhid (oneness) forbids other apparent 'goods' to distract Muslims from their
commitment to Allah. Money, material gain, and success may appear attractive, but they
cannot satisfy that basic human restlessness and dissatisfaction that forces many people
toward the comforts offered by religion.
The sin of 'shirk' (forgetting / creating a partner for God) warns Muslims not to allow mere
human ideals, however good in themselves, to act as idols which will detract from the
'oneness' of Allah.
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Sometimes a new Muslim will talk things over with an Imam (teacher), or have a course of
study sessions; once the new Muslim takes the decision to become Muslim (or realises that he
or she is Muslim), their first act is to declare the faith (Shahadah) publicly, in front of two
witnesses. From that moment of public witness, they are Muslim. However, it is not just a
matter of reciting words; it is something that has to be believed with all one's heart, because
following this declaration the Muslim should trust God with all his or her heart, and hand over
their life to His service. Making this decision can cause some pretty drastic changes. Being a
good witness involves far more than words; your whole life must back up what has been
declared or the initial declaration is meaningless.
TASK 3) What is tawhid and how is this linked to the Shahadah?
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TASK 4) Explain the significance to both parts of the Shahadah
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TASK 5) The Shahadah is not simply a matter of reciting words, in fact your whole life
must back up what has been declared. Try to consider a list of things people might need
to change in their lives were they to convert to the Islamic faith
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TASK 6) Why is the Shahadah meaningless if it is not said sincerely (genuinely)?
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SALAH
The second pillar of Islam is salah or prayer. Muslims pray for about 10 minutes 5
times each day because they believe that Allah created human beings to worship
Him. Clearly this shows the extent to which they are prepared to submit to Allah in
peace.
Verily, I am God; there is no god but I; therefore serve Me, and perform the
prayer of My remembrance (20:14)
In communities containing a mosque (place of worship) a man known as the muezzin
climbs the minaret (tower) 5 times each day and calls aloud:
God is the Most Great!
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.
Come to prayer!
Come to success (or salvation)!
God is the Most Great!
There is no God but Allah!
It is men alone that are encouraged
to worship in the mosque
though some have areas set aside for
women. If there is no mosque then Muslims will stop their
work and lie down on their musalla (prayer mat), praying at work or in their
own home. The home is where women worship. The reason for this is not
because women are viewed as inferior to men, rather that both sexes may be
a distraction to one another. Minds have to be free of desire for the opposite
sex as well as worries about family matters.
Muslim males are taught to pray from the age of 7, it becomes compulsory at the age of 10.
Wherever Muslims stop for prayer it is always at set times; in the morning, early afternoon,
late afternoon, sunset, and at night. Friday is the most important day because at mid-day
Muslims say special prayers.
Proclaim thy Lord’s praise before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and proclaim
thy Lord’s praise in the watches of the night, and at the ends of the day (20:130)
Before prayer Muslims have to wash their bodies in a special way called wudu. This shows
their respect for Allah. They wash their hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, neck, and
feet three times in running water. Of course wudu serves no real practical purpose. What it
does show symbolically is that Muslims are willing to be clean before they come to Allah in
prayer.
All Muslims face toward the Kabah (a sacred black cube like building) situated in the holy
city of Mecca when praying, if they are not in a mosque then they will use a special compass
to help point them in the right direction. They do not worship the actual building; rather they
are worshipping Allah (God) as they believe this was the first place of worship built for Him.
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Whilst praying Muslims will actually prostrate themselves (bow down so that their forehead
touches the ground) this is symbolic of their submission to Allah. The word Mosque actually
means ‘place of prostration’.
TASK 7) Explain how Muslims prepare for prayer, what are the things they must do?
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TASK 8) Describe 2 symbolic acts Muslims perform when praying, what do you think
these acts represent?
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Most of the 5 daily prayers involve saying parts from the Quran and following the rules for
prayer. If Muslims are unable to say their prayers at the set times then they are expected to
catch up on the next occasion, prayers are not allowed to be said early though. Some prayers
can be personal ones from the individual to Allah, these do not follow any rules and can be
about anything; such prayers are called du'a which means ‘asking’. Like any religious
believer Muslims have special concerns that they need to meditate over.
When praying Muslims use their whole bodies rather than just their head or heart. The words
used, along with the rakahs (prayer movements), come from the way in which Muhammad
himself prayed. ‘Rakah’ literally means ‘bending’ and each movement has a special symbolic
meaning.
The reason that prayer plays such an important role in the daily life of Muslims is that they
believe it helps them to focus on Allah, who for them is the reason and purpose of their
existence. It also helps them avoid sinning.
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To many in the Western world being expected to pray 5 times a day may appear a burden. For
Muslims however it is seen as an opportunity to clear ones mind from distraction and worldly
concerns, in that sense it is both relaxing and refreshing.
There are many aims of salah:
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To draw people away from worldly concerns focussing instead upon Allah
To combine body and soul in worship
To avoid sin
To calm dangerous passions
To bring a sense of peace and tranquillity
To show equality and unity
To demonstrate discipline and obedience to Allah
To train in cleanliness, purity and punctuality
TASK 9) What is the purpose of prayer for Muslims, why do they attach such
importance to it?
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TASK 10) Why do you think Muslims pray so regularly?
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TASK 11) Suggest some ways in which Muslims in this country might have difficulty in
finding the time and space to pray 5 times every day
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ZAKAT
The third Pillar of Islam is called Zakat; it is paid by Muslims
throughout the world. Though there is no equivalent word in English,
Zakat effectively means to ‘purify’ or ‘cleanse’. It is a contribution paid
once a year by adults from their savings at the rate of 2.5% or 1/40. It is
paid so that money and possessions can be ‘cleansed’ from excessive desire and greed
for them, hence in many ways it is a spiritual act.
Righteous is he who believes in Allah…and giveth his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk
and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free;
and observeth proper worship and payeth poor-due (Quran 2:177)
Zakat is different from voluntary charity which is called ‘sadaqah’. Zakat is often called
‘poor-due’ since people have a duty to pay it, and the poor have a right to receive it. Indeed
the poor should not refuse it when it is offered as it is their right. In that sense Zakat can be
likened to a tax. In some Islamic countries Zakat is collected like a tax by the government; in
others it is regarded as a private matter for each individual. It is paid on the festival of Eid-ulFitr which comes at the end of the month of ‘Ramadan’ when Muslims fast (go without food)
from sunrise to sunset.
TASK 12) In your words explain what Zakat actually is?
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Muslims believe that everything people have has been given by Allah. More than that,
everything we have belongs to Allah. That includes our money and possessions. Strictly
speaking these things are not ours, they are God’s. So we should use them as He wishes them
to be used. We should spend our money in ways He will approve of. This means giving things
to those who need them, not keeping all our money for ourselves. Muslims believe it is a sin
to let people suffer from hunger or disease.
Muslims believe that hanging on to all your wealth is greedy. That, too, is a sin. There is
nothing wrong with working hard and making money, it is what you do with it that counts.
Zakat is one of the basic principles of the Muslim economy. It aims
to provide social welfare for those less fortunate; it also seeks to
distribute wealth more equally. It is interesting to note that within
the Muslim world making interest on money is completely forbidden.
Muslims in the Western world (which does not expect Zakat) often
send money to fellow Muslims in poorer countries, this shows the sense of
brother-hood between Muslims throughout the world. This is co-ordinated
through relief agencies such as Islamic Aid and Muslim Relief.
Zakat money may only be used for certain set purposes:
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helping the poor
to release from debt
to help needy travellers
to free captives
to win people over to the cause of Allah
to pay those who collect it
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Payment of Zakat is not limited to those who follow the Islamic faith alone. Poverty harms
people from all walks of life. Money will often be donated to those from other faiths, or
indeed those who are not religious at all. Islam teaches that as humans we are all equal,
regardless of our race or beliefs.
TASK 13) Why do you think Muslims give money to non-Muslims? Give reasons for
your answer
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Zakat is usually paid in secret so that rich people receive no false praise or admiration, since
they are doing no more than their duty; and poor people are not made ashamed in receiving.
Giving openly is only encouraged when it is necessary to influence others to give. What is
given must not simply be things that are not wanted or needed, or are second rate. When you
give for God’s sake it must be nobly done as Muslims believe Allah is omniscient (allknowing). Given the sheer number of Muslims in the world there will always be some who
choose to cheat by not paying the tax. This is a matter for them to deal with in their own
consciences, and ultimately with Allah on the day of judgement.
Zakat and Salah (prayer) are often singled out from the 5 Pillars and described as the two
basic religious activities for Muslims. While Salah is about the individual’s relationship with
God, Zakat is about their relationship with the rest of humanity. Salah helps to create peace
and harmony within the individual. Zakat is a way of helping the Muslim community as a
whole to create this peace and harmony.
Zakat is all about giving money (unless you are on the receiving end) but what does Islam
teach about gaining money?
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It can be inherited, but there are rules to make sure that this is distributed fairly
Money should be earned by honest work
Money should not simply make more money, for example, through investment where
the rich simply get richer and the poor poorer
TASK 14) Explain why Muslims must pay Zakat
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TASK 15) “The person who gives money away is richer than the person who keeps it”
What do you think about this quote? Explain your answer
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TASK 16) “The most valuable possessions in life cannot be bought with money” What do
you think about this quote? Explain your answer
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TASK 17) In what ways does the practice of Zakat help a person to become ‘detached’
from love of self and love of material possessions?
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TASK 18) What are the good points about everyone paying the same percentage of their
savings rather than everyone paying the same amount?
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SAUM
The fourth of the five Pillars of Islam is the requirement on Muslims to fast (go
without food and drink) during the daylight hours of ‘Ramadan’, the ninth month
of the Islamic year. The name for the fast is ‘Saum’.
Muslims wait for the new moon to be sighted at the beginning of
Ramadan before they begin the fast. Muslim leaders take responsibility for
announcing the new moon. In Islamic societies the announcement is
broadcast on the radio and television.
The prophet Muhammad said that eating should stop as soon as it is light enough to tell a
black thread from a white one, in other words at sunrise. From this point onwards Muslims
begin their daily fast.
Muslims will usually have a meal just before dawn during Ramadan. Even so, going without
food all day is not easy, no matter how old a person is. It might seem tempting to hide
somewhere and have a quick snack. But Muslims know that this cheating will not fool God
who is omniscient (all-knowing).
In some places a siren or other loud noise signals the end of each day’s fast, this is also
announced on the radio. At this point Muslims will have a meal call ‘Iftar’ which means
‘breaking the fast’.
It is not simply food that Muslims are fasting from. Hunger, comfort and sex are the three
things which have to be brought under control. If the emotions of the heart or mind or the
behaviour of the individual is wrong, then the fast will lose its real significance.
There are certain groups who are not required to fast during Ramadan:
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Anyone who is sick or might become ill if they fasted
Anyone who is travelling long distances and finds it impossible to fast properly
Any woman who is pregnant or has just given birth
Anyone who is too old to fast without suffering
Young children (generally those under the age of 12)
Soldiers involved in a war
Note that the first three groups ought to try and make up the days they missed at a later time.
Muslim children often fast for a couple of days so that they feel part of the celebration and
begin to learn self discipline for themselves. Sick Muslims are sometimes also expected to
feed a hungry person for each day they themselves did not fast.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims because it was during this period each year that
Muhammad received the revelations from Allah over a period of 23 years. Indeed many
Muslims try and read the whole Quran during the course of the month.
One night is especially important during Ramadan. This is Lailat ul Qadr (the Night of
Power). The Quran was first revealed via the angel Gabriel from Allah to Muhammad on this
night, Muslims will often try to stay awake and offer special prayers.
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At the end of Ramadan Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr (Festival of fast
breaking). Being lunar, the celebrations begin when the new moon is sighted to show that the
month is over, thus Ramadan falls at different times as the years go by. In Islam a month
begins with a new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. There are twelve months in total, making
354 days. This means that on the international calendar used in Western society, Ramadan
comes about eleven days earlier each year than the year before. It takes about 30 years for
Ramadan to ‘come round’ again to the same time on the international calendar.
WHY BOTHER TO FAST?
Muslims fast because, as believers in God, they wish to carry out His commands. They
understand that Allah wishes them to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan
as this is stated in the Quran: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint” (Quran 2:183)
Muslims believe that fasting benefits those who do it. Primarily it helps give them a specific
time to focus on their relationship with Allah. Ramadan is a time when Muslims will try to be
more devout in their prayers. They will often try to read the whole Quran during the course of
this month and spend more time reflecting on their religious life. It also brings Muslims
together because they all fast at the same time.
In the West we live in a world where dieting is a genuine concern, clearly we have too much.
Many fellow human beings are less fortunate, they are simply happy to eat any food, rather
than worry about which type and how much. Saum therefore helps Muslims to understand the
experience of being hungry and appreciate what it might be like to starve. The hope is that
this might lead them to become more compassionate toward those in need.
During the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, Muslims make an offering of a sum of money which is offered
to help the needy.
Fasting helps Muslims develop self discipline; it also encourages people to recognise what is
really important in life: “O believers, you must fast so that you may learn self-restraint.
Fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days, so that you may safeguard
yourselves against moral and spiritual ills” (Quran 2:183-4) There are physical benefits too,
fasting cleans out the body and slows you down, thus reducing stress.
TASK 19) Explain in detail the non-physical benefits of fasting
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Even when the fasting ends there are still some restrictions on what Muslims can and cannot
eat and drink. In particular alcohol is not allowed. It is ‘haraam’ which means forbidden. The
Quran teaches that: “The Devil wants only to make hatred between you, by means of alcohol
and gambling, and keep you back from Allah”
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TASK 20) “If you do not give up telling lies God will have no need of your giving up food
and drink” Explain what the prophet Muhammad meant when he said this
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TASK 21) Pick 3 of the groups that are excluded from fasting, explain why this might be
so…
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TASK 22) Explain what is so special about the month of Ramadan for Muslims?
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TASK 23) Take each of the following Arabic words and explain their meaning in a
sentence: Haraam / Ramada / Iftar / Lailat ul Qadr / Eid-ul-Fitr / Saum
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