The Five Pillars of Islam

What does it mean to be a Muslim? By definition, a Muslim is a person who submits to the will of God. The five pillars of Islam are seen as ways of worshipping God – the definition of worship in Islam is very broad and includes all things that are pleasing to God. If an individual identifies as Muslim, their entire lifestyle should show their submission to Allah’s will, therefore being worship. Watch 5 pillars video http://www.youtube.com/user/Cartoons4MuslimKids

The 5 Pillars of Islam Arabic and English name What is a Muslim obliged to do? – how is this pillar carried out? What does this pillar represent/symbolize in Islam?  

Shahada – testimony of faith The first pillar is testifying that there is only one God and that his final prophet is Muhammad. All prophets are believed to have preached Islam in their own times-the oneness of God, against idolatry and sin. While many say that Muhammad was the founder of Islam, the Qur’an says that he will be the last prophet (“the seal of the prophets”). Children memorize the shahada, and converts to Islam need to only testify publicly to be considered Muslim.

Salat - prayer Muslims pray 5 times a day, facing the ‘Qibla’. Prayers can be said any place that is clean. Prayer unites the body, soul and mind. For prayers to be valid: Intention to pray and get benefit from it Proper modesty must be maintained during prayer Wudu must be performed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHcw9uvU6E Prayers are recited in Arabic. The call to prayer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF47Ec5wBK4 – “Muslim call to prayer makes Christian cry”

Zakat - charity Muslims give 2.5% of surplus wealth to the poor. In most countries charity is voluntary, although all pious Muslims will give out of obligation and submission to Allah. In some Islamic states, zakat is collected by the government like taxes. Charity is distributed to the needy (in some places, to Muslims first) Most Muslims with the means to do so also give additional money to charity, above the 2.5%.

Sawm - fasting Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Fasting includes all food and drink, as well as smoking and sexual activity. Fasting is an act of submission, reminds Muslims of the poor, shows gratitude and sorrow to Allah, and increases spiritual strength. Penalties are quite strict for breaking the fast. The fast is broken with the feast of Eid Ul-Fitr – involves celebration, gifts and prayers at the mosque or some else communally.

Hajj - Pilgrimage All Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if they can afford to. Pilgrims dress in simple white clothing at about 10 kms from Mecca. Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times, touching the black stone, traveling seven times between two mountains and “throwing stones at the Devil”. The practice of throwing stones (originally at pillars, but now a wall) has caused the death of many pilgrims over the years.