Five Pillars of Islam

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")!

Introduction

The core beliefs of Islam can be encapsulated within the Five Pillars of Islam, which provide a fundamental framework for the life of a Muslim. These pillars emphasize that belief is not enough without practice. This blog post aims to give a brief overview of these Five Pillars, namely Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Shahada (Faith)

Shahada, or the declaration of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. It is a simple but profound statement: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This declaration affirms the oneness of God and acknowledges Muhammad as his prophet. The Shahada is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim's identity and signifies their acceptance of Islam's core beliefs. This statement is repeated every day by Muslims as part of Salah.

In order to convert to Islam, an individual only has to declare this statement in Arabic. This is very different from other religions, like Catholicism, which requires an individual to take classes, or from Judaism, which requires a convert to be rejected. One simply has to declare the Shahada with the intent to convert and accept Islam. Islam is easy to convert to, but that doesn’t mean conversion is easy.

Salah (Prayer)

Salah is the namesake of this blog! It is also the second pillar of Islam. Salah refers to the five daily prayers that Muslims are obligated to perform. These prayers take place at dawn (Fajr), noon (Dhuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha’a). Each prayer consists of specific units (Rakas) and includes recitation from the Quran. Performing Salat allows Muslims to maintain a spiritual connection with Allah throughout the day and serves as a constant reminder of their faith.

The steps of salah may seem complicated for new reverts. The words can also be a source of confusion. I made (hopefully) helpful guides here to help! 

Sawm (Fasting)

Sawm, the third pillar of Islam, refers to the obligatory fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. From dawn until sunset, Muslims who are physically able to must abstain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs. Yes, this includes drinking water! It is a time of purification, spiritual growth, and fostering a heightened sense of empathy and compassion towards the less fortunate. Sawm serves as a reminder of the suffering of others and the importance of self-control and resilience. It also serves as a reminder of Allah's love and mercy, because it was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, Praise be Upon Him. At sunset, a meal called Iftar is shared to break the day-long fast. A common food to break fast with is dates.

Zakat (Charity)

Zakat, the fourth pillar, is a system of mandatory charity that requires Muslims to give a fixed portion of their income to those in need. The Zakat is 2.5% of the value of a Muslims wealth. Muslims must meet a certain threshold to qualify for giving Zakat. If someone has less than the Nisib (which equals roughly 87.5 grams of gold), then they are not required to give Zakat. This act of giving is not only an expression of generosity but also a means of purifying one's wealth. The money is put towards community benefits like feeding the hungry, providing for the orphaned, funding a school, the possibilities are endless. Zakat fosters a sense of community and ensures the welfare of the less fortunate.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Lastly, the fifth pillar of Islam is Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. Muslims embark on this days-long journey, most often in the month of Hajj, with almost 2 million other Muslims. This spiritual journey fosters a sense of unity and equality among Muslims, as all pilgrims wear the same attire and perform the same rituals, regardless of their social or economic status.

Conclusion

The Five Pillars of Islam provide a comprehensive guide for Muslims on how to lead a fulfilling and righteous life. Each pillar, whether it be the declaration of faith, daily prayer, or mandatory charity, intertwines faith with action and serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities and duties that come with being a Muslim. By understanding these pillars, one can gain a deeper insight into the principles that underpin the Islamic faith.