Introduction:
One of the major international religions is Islam with a large number of followers. At the core of Islam are five essential pillars. They represent the central principles and ways of life that define the Muslims. This article will engender simplicity of understanding of the five pillars of Islam by outlining the essence of each and giving the ultimate significance of each pillar.
Shahada – The Testimony of Faith
- Understanding the Shahada
- The shahada is the first pillar of Islam; shahada means ‘witnessing or declaring faith’. The shahada consists of two parts: the first one is a proclamation that there is only one God’s existence (Allah) and the second is the belief that Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger who had delivered the final message.
- Importance of the Shahada
The Shahada (There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah) represents the fundamental principle of Islam, denoting the unicity of God and the acknowledgement of Prophet Muhammad’s mission. It is concise statement which shows what all Muslims believe in all around the world.
Salah – The Ritual Prayer
- The Concept of Salah
“Salah”, an Arabic word for ritual prayer, is the second mainstay of Islam after Shahada, the declaration of faith in Allah. It refers to carrying out five daily prayers at the appointed times of the day. Muslims regard Salah as a way of communicating Allah and asking for instruction and blessing from Him.
- Key Elements of Salah
Prayer involves physical movements, reciting verses from the Quran, and supplications as well. It contains standing, bowing, prostration and sitting. Through performing Salah, Muslims create a personal and direct tie with their Creator.
The Month of Ramadan is obligatory
Zakat – The Obligatory Charity
- Understanding Zakat
The third pillar of Islam economic practice is Zakat which prescribes the duty of a Muslim to give an out-of-pocket of their wealth to the poor and needy as a sign of social responsibility. It is the best form of cleaning one’s wealth and sharing the benefits with poor people in the community.
- Significance of Zakat
Zakat equally donates social justice, compassion, and empathy within the Muslim community because the Muslims believe that everything is given by Allah, so out of gratitude to Allah, there arises the duty of sharing the received blessings with those groups of people who don’t have enough fortune. Zakat can enable Muslims to fulfill their responsibility to poor and the establishment of justice in financial resources distribution.
Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan
- The Concept of Sawm
Sawm, literally known as fasting, which is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam, is the foremost practiced during the month of Ramadan, every year. Muslims keep themselves away from tasting food, drinking water, and other physical pleasures during daylight until darkness sets in as a part of their devotion to God and self-restrain.
- Benefits of Sawm
Through the practice of fasting people learn to have self-control and to feel as if they’re less fortunate people. It carries out the journey of spiritual contemplation. It is one of those times when we are the most religious; we pray more, give thanks for everything which had been given to us.
Hajj – The Pilgrimage to Mecca
- The Concept of Hajj
Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam, and is the term for the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Hajj is compulsory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do it at least once in their life time.
- Significance of Hajj
Hajj is a very exceptional spiritual experience that unites Muslims across the world. It expresses unity, equality, and the submission to Allah. The pilgrim will ask for forgiveness, spiritual purification, and increased his or her faith via rituals of Hajj.
