Pillars_of_Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam The Five Pillars of Islam The central belief of Islam is that there is only one God, Allah, who is said to be omnipotent. In order to become a Muslim each individual has to declare that there is no God but Allah in front of Muslim witnesses. This belief is reinforced by the five pillars. Each Pillar represents a way to be purposeful in life, and stay true to the belief of monotheism. The five pillars of the Islamic belief are faith, prayer, the Zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage. Faith is the biggest part of the Muslim religion. Muslims do not worship anyone but Allah. They feel that no one but Allah has the right to be worshipped. Muhammad is seen as a prophet of Allah, but the Muslims do not worship Muhammad. Prayer is the second on the list of pillars. Muslims pray five times a day, and at specific times. These prayers are done at dawn, noon, midafternoon, sunset, and midnight. These prayers are done in any clean place, but the Islam faith does prefer it to be done at a Mosque in the company of other Muslims. However work, school, and other activities sometimes prevent this from happening. The reason that Muslims prefer to be together is to get remind themselves that all Muslims are equal. Social status, race, or even economic status does not seem to be an issue when everyone is together praying to the same God. Prayer also helps to purify one’s heart and help to be able to resist the outside world’s temptations. Fasting is done during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are required to sustain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity from sunrise to sundown. This is done so that Muslims can reflect on themselves, and to concentrate on their belief in Allah. It also helps the Muslims to reflect on those less fortunate than them, and to gain insight on one’s patience, self-restraint, sincerity, and will power. The zakat is a form of charity. Muslims give a percentage of their worth to those in need. This act is said to purify one’s possessions and to also help Muslims rid themselves of greedy or selfish ways or thoughts. It also is a way to cut down on envy between the classes of the Muslims. Pilgrimage is the last pillar of Islam. This is where the Muslim people go to Makah once in their lifetime if they are physically able to. Muslims come from all over the world to worship Allah. The purpose of this is to remind the Muslims that everyone is equal despite where they live, what their race is, or what their social standings are. Muslims do believe that nothing happens without the knowledge or permission from Allah. Out of all the pillars that are taught ZI would think that the fasting would be the hardest one to do. I am not disciplined enough to give up so many things at once. I can barely go 4 hours without my sugar getting messed up and making me feel week and dizzy. I am not sure how that would work for me for fasting. The easiest pillar to do would be the praying. I have no problem praying to God, and it would be nice to be able to take a break from the hectic day to give all of my worries over to God. It would be an uplifting break in the day. References: Khan, D. (2003). The Five Pillars of ISLAM. Appleseeds, 6(3), 12. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database. (n.d). Islam ethics. Retrieved from XRefer XML database.