Five pillars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Five pillars - Essay Example By pillars of Islam it is meant that these five parts are the basic foundation of Islam and they should be followed by a Muslim in order to show his allegiance to Islam. These five pillars have been mentioned in the Holy book of Quran and were practiced in the time of Muhammad. The five pillars are prayer (Salat), profession of faith (Shahada), fasting (Sawm), almsgiving (Zakat) and pilgrimage (Hajj) (Ibrahim, 1997). Some of these obligations are also found in other religions such as Christianity but in Islam they are made obligatory in such a way that they draw a clear boundary in between the principles followed in Islam (Tabatabae 45). In other words the five pillars are to be followed by every Muslim living in any society. (Islamic Encyclopedia). Islam is based on the principles of Oneness of Allah Almighty and the devotion of a Muslim to Him (Tripod). The literal meaning of the word Allah is God and this God in accordance to the teachings of Islam is the One who brought life to every race on this planet. (Islamic Encyclopedia). A Muslim by following Allah’s commandments is showing his devotion and recognition of his power. Profession faith there is a requirement in the religion of Islam. In other words it is farz (obligatory) on every Muslim. Muslim in their usual routine recite the profession of faith in the following words "I bear witness that there is no other god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet." For an individual to be a Muslim he has to have belief on this phrase.(Islamic Encyclopedia). A true Muslim would not only recite this profession but would also believe in it and know its meaning (Tripod). In the world today activities done by an individual can be criticized by his fellow members but if the individual recites the profession of faith no one can argue or challenge him for his faith (Tripod). The second pillar of Islam is the daily Salat that the Muslims should offer. All grown up Muslims have been