Islam is a complete way of life that provides a complete guide to mankind. Based on the Qur’an, the last revelation of Allah where the fundamental tenets of this blessed religion is deeply rooted, Muslims follow strict sets of commandments. The five pillars of Islam is among many obligations that a Muslim must fulfill.
These five Pillars of Islam are the framework of the Muslim life. They are the testimony of faith, prayer, giving zakat (support of the needy), fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those who are able.
1) The Testimony of Faith:
The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.” This saying means “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” The first part, “There is no God but Allah,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, and that Allah has neither partner nor son. This testimony of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam. The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam.
2) Five Daily Prayers:
Muslims perform five prayers a day. Each prayer does not take more than a few minutes to perform. Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. There are no intermediaries between Allah and the worshipper.
In prayer, a person feels inner happiness, peace, and comfort, and that Allah is pleased with him or her. Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. A Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, or universities. For a Muslim praying in the mosque is highly recommended.
3) Giving Zakat (Support of the Needy):
All things belong to Allah, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ The percentage which is due on gold, silver, and cash funds that have reached the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for one lunar year is two and a half percent. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. A person may also give as much as he or she pleases as voluntary alms or charity.
The following groups of people are allowed to receive Zakat from Muslims:
- The poor (al-fuqarâ’), meaning low-income or indigent.
- The needy (al-masâkîn), meaning someone who is in difficulty.
- Zakat administrators.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, meaning new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community.
- Those in bondage (slaves and captives.
- The debt-ridden.
- In the cause of God.
- The wayfarer, meaning those who are stranded or traveling with few resources.
4) Fasting the Month of Ramadan:
Every year in the month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.
Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life.
5) The Pilgrimage to Makkah:
The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. About two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Male pilgrims wear special simple clothes which strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.
