Unveiling the Five Pillars of Islam

Assalamu alaykum dear readers,

In our journey of exploration into the essence of Islam, we begin by unravelling the foundational pillars of islam. 

Shahada(The Declaration of Faith)

At the heart of Islamic belief lies the declaration: "La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah." Translated as "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah," Shahada encapsulates the core tenet of Islamic monotheism and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Shahada is the key part of the Islamic faith, the first of the 5 pillars of Islam. Saying the shahadah seals the understanding and acceptance of Islam as a faith. Those who decide to join Islam would say the shahadah sincerely with an imam and at least two Muslim witnesses. It must be recited at least once before an individual is declared Muslim The Shahada serves as a testimony to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). It signifies a profound commitment to the Islamic faith, acknowledging Allah as the sole deity worthy of worship and recognizing Muhammad as His final messenger, tasked with conveying divine guidance to humanity.

Prayer(Salat)

Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter of the Quran and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose. Muslims can pray individually at any location or together in a mosque where a leader in prayer guides the congregation. A person feels inner happiness, peace, and comfort in that God is pleased with him or her. The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) said, "Bilal called the people to prayer; let us be comforted by it." Bilal was one of Muhammad's companions who is in charge of calling the people to prayers. Men gather in the mosque for the noonday prayer on Friday. After the prayer, a sermon focuses on a passage from the Quran followed by prayers by the Imam in a discussion of a particular religious topic.

Charity(zakat)

In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims built mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated with the charity. All things belong to God, 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 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.

Fasting(sawm)

Fasting in Islam, known as "Sawm," holds significant spiritual and communal importance. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide embark on a journey of self-discipline and spiritual reflection by abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This act of fasting not only fulfills a religious obligation but also serves as a means of cultivating empathy and gratitude. By experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims deepen their understanding of the less fortunate and reinforce the values of compassion and generosity. Ramadan, with its daily fasting and increased devotion to prayer and charity, fosters a sense of unity among believers, strengthening the bonds of community and reinforcing the shared commitment to spiritual growth and righteousness. Through fasting, Muslims seek not only physical purification but also spiritual elevation, drawing closer to God and attaining a heightened awareness of His blessings and guidance.

Pilgrimage(hajj)

Every year, millions of Muslims from every corner of the globe embark on a sacred journey to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, to fulfill the fifth pillar of their faith: the Hajj. This pilgrimage, steeped in history and tradition, holds profound significance for believers worldwide. Clad in simple white garments, pilgrims come together in a powerful display of unity, equality, and devotion to Allah. The rituals of the Hajj, from circumambulating the Kaaba to standing in prayer on the plains of Arafat, symbolize submission, humility, and spiritual renewal. For many, the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seek forgiveness, reflect on one's purpose in life, and deepen one's connection to God. It is a transformative journey that transcends geographical boundaries, cultural differences, and individual identities, reminding us of the universal values of compassion, brotherhood, and faith. As pilgrims return from the Hajj, they carry with them not only memories of the physical journey but also the spiritual enlightenment and inner peace gained through this profound experience of devotion and unity.

-Curious Muslim

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