Five Pillars of Islam
By: Josh Simon
Course: HRT 3M
Date: 17 May 2006
In architecture, a pillar can both provide support to a building and also act as decoration. In Islam, the worlds second largest religion, there are five main pillars. These five pillars provide support to make somebody a true Muslim, and also can enhance a Muslims qualities. The first pillar, the confession of faith, is what makes a person a true Muslim. The second pillar, prayer, allows a Muslim to become closer to Allah. Fasting, the third pillar, offers many physical and emotional benefits to the participants. Wealth sharing, the fourth pillar, benefits the entire community. The final pillar, the pilgrimage to Mecca, offers several spiritual benefits to the pilgrims. The Five Pillars of Islam act much like their architectural counterparts by supporting Muslims and enhancing their qualities.
The first Pillar of Islam is the shahada, which is the statement that makes a person a true Muslim. The shahada, or confession of faith, is a statement that affirms that there is only one god, Allah. It also states that while Muhammad is revered, he is not to be worshipped as he was only a messenger of God. The shahada is similar to the Christian creeds in that they both state the core beliefs of their respective religion. The shahada contains two of the most important ideas of Islam monotheism, and the idea that Muhammad was only human. By comparison, the Christian creeds state the core beliefs of Christianity: the Incarnation and the Trinity. By reciting this statement with conviction, a person officially becomes a Muslim. The shahada is the major support to a Muslim, as it is the most important pillar to follow.
The second Pillar of Islam is prayer, which brings a Muslim closer to Allah. A Muslim is expected to pray five times each day early in the morning, at noon, in the early afternoon, at sunset and in the evening. In the Middle East, calls to prayer are announced from the tops of minarets, and entire communities halt to perform their prayer. Prayers are preceded by a ritual cleansing of the hands and face. Prayers are usually performed on a special rug. It also involves movements in the direction of Mecca. On Fridays, which are Islams holy day, prayers are held in a mosque and are led by an imam. Prayer is the second Pillar of Islam and it brings participants closer to Allah.
The third Pillar of Islam, fasting during Ramadan, offers many benefits to participants. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to refrain from several activities from sunrise to sunset each day. These activities include eating, drinking, smoking or engaging in sexual activities. There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, people who are sick are not required to fast. Fasting during Ramadan offers many benefits to those that do it. Participants earn a greater appreciation for the poor because they realize what life is like when they can not have whatever they desire, when they desire it. Also, participants become more disciplined. Fasting during Ramadan offers those who participate with several benefits.
The fourth Pillar of Islam is wealth sharing, and it benefits the community as a whole. Muslims are required to contribute 2.5 percent of their money to the community. This money can be used for things such as donations to the poor, or to institutions like schools and hospitals. The money does not necessarily have to be given to a Muslim person or organization.
The final pillar of Islam is the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.