Five Pillars of Islam
The Arabic word “Islam” is a verb which means to submit to the creator. In its comprehensive form it represents submitting, surrendering, obeying and worshipping the creator alone and no one else. The one who submits, surrenders, obeys and worships the creator with sincerity is called a Muslim. Islam as a faith is based on five basic pillars.
Declaration/Testification of Faith
This is the first pillar of Islam. One becomes a Muslim by testifying that “There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger.” This declaration contains three elements. The first element is a negation of the possibility that there is anyone who is worthy of worship. The second element is the affirmation that it is only the creator of this Universe who deserves to be worshipped. The third and the last element are the acknowledgement and acceptance of Mohammad (peace be upon him) as God’s messenger. Even though Mohammad (peace be upon him) is explicitly mentioned in the declaration, prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus are accepted, adored and admired in Islam. One can not be a Muslim unless one accepts all three components of the testification of faith without reservation.
Five Daily Prayers
Once someone professes faith in the absolute oneness of God through the above declaration, it becomes obligatory to perform five daily prayers. These prayers are to be performed within a range of hours starting at dawn, afternoon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. These prayers are intended to establish a personal relationship with God. Prayers comprise of certain rituals and body movements. Through these prayers a believer expresses gratitude for the bounties bestowed by God as well as seeking constant guidance in order to remain on the straight path.
Alms-giving
In Islam God is considered the ultimate Owner of everything that exists in the heavens and the earth. Human beings are considered the custodians of wealth and resources. Muslims are required by donate 2.5 percent of their savings (money and other valuable possessions such as gold and silver jewelry exceeding certain quantity/weight.) In the following verse God commands Muslims to give alms to the poor.
{“So establish regular Prayer and give regular Alms; and obey the Messenger; that you may receive mercy."} Qur'an 24: 56
Besides giving alms, God commanded the Muslims over eighty times in the Qur’an to give in charity to the poor and the socially disadvantaged. In the following verse those who establish their daily prayers and give in charity are referred to as the “true Muslims.”
{“Who establish prayers and spend out of that We have provided them.It is they who are the Muslims in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise).”} Qur’an 8:3-4.
Acts of charity are a way for Muslims to express gratitude to God for the blessings of wealth; to protect themselves from poverty and to recycle the wealth in the society so that those who are poor and disadvantaged are not left behind
Fasting
Every year during the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk. During this period they are required to refrain from food, drinks, any sexual intimacy etc. Those who are physically unable as well as the travelers and pregnant women are exempted. In the following verse God specified the objective of fasting:
{“O you who believe! Observing the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God consciousness”} Qur’an 2:183
Through fasting Muslims practice self-control and self-purification. Through out the day they refrain from habits and practices that are displeasing to God. Through fasting they develop a sense of constant awareness of the pleasures and displeasures of God. Such awareness ultimately leads to strengthening of the faith and a closer relationship with God.
Pilgrimage in Mecca
The last pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Those who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca once in their life time. It is permissible for someone to perform pilgrimage more than once but it is not required to do so. During the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar millions of Muslims from around the world gather in modern day Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage. It is a unique opportunity for millions of Muslims to meet each other and reflect upon the common bond of Islamic brotherhood/sisterhood. Special dress code and rituals are prescribed during the pilgrimage to highlight the equality among the Muslims irrespective of their national origins. Pilgrimage is an overwhelming experience for most Muslims as they return home spiritually transformed.
These pillars of faith are only a framework/road map. They are not considered completion of faith. Muslims are required to constantly strive to perfect these pillars and build upon them pillars in order to achieve ultimate spiritual enlightenment.
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