Islam Pillars of the Faith

Core Concepts of Islam Only one god, Allah Good and evil exist, and one’s own responsibility to act good Muhammad’s life, the sunna (SOON-uh), model to follow Help the umma, the local Muslim community Follow the teachings of the Qur’an Written Muhammad’s death Contained teachings of Muhammad Only useable version in Arabic Sunna and Qur’an made shari’a (shah-REE-ah) law Adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam

Five Pillars of Islam Pilgrimage Fasting Alms Prayer Faith

Pillar One: Faith/Witnessing Testify and truly believe to the importance of one god, Allah, and Allah’s messenger, Muhammad Fundamental concept to the religion

Pillar Two: Prayer Must pray five times daily May assemble at a mosque (Islamic house of worship) to pray, or anywhere Brings Muslims closer to God

Importance of Prayer Why would prayer be necessary five times per day? What benefits could come from this practice?

Pillar Three: Alms/Charity All Muslims have responsibility to support the less fortunate Required—not the same as tax for the government

Charity Required What effects could required charity have upon the community? What do we have in our society that is like this today?

Pillar Four: Fasting During Ramadan holy month, no food or drink from sunrise to sunset Simple meal eaten at the end of the day Reminds Muslims they have “greater needs than bread”

Pillar Five: Pilgrimage Duty of all Muslims at least once in their lifetime Done in identical clothes to be equal in the eyes of God Formerly done over deserts, mountains, seas… Now mostly by airplane

What effects does the pilgrimage have on the Muslim community? Power of Pilgrimage What effects does the pilgrimage have on the Muslim community?