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  If a person identifies as Muslim, their lifestyle should show their submission to Allah’s will, therefore all they do is worship.  Watch 5 pillars video uslimKids

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.  The Qur’an says that M will be the last prophet (“the seal of the prophets”) – he is widely considered to be the founder of Islam.  Significance: Children memorize the shahada, recited as part of prayers, converts to Islam need to 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  Prayers are recited in Arabic.  The call to prayer – “Muslim call to prayer makes Christian cry”  Significance: shows submission and gratitude to God, puts the focus on God and spirituality.

Zakat - charity  Muslims voluntarily give 2.5% of surplus wealth to the poor.  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 who are able also give additional money to charity  Significance: shows submission to God, pleases God, reduces poverty and creates equality

Sawm - fasting  Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.  They are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during the month.  Fasting includes all food and drink, as well as smoking and sexual activity.  Penalties exist for breaking the fast.  The fast is broken with the feast of Eid Ul-Fitr – involves celebration, gifts and prayers at the mosque or somewhere else communally.  Significance: an act of submission, reminds Muslims of the poor, shows gratitude and sorrow to Allah, and increases spiritual strength. Commemorates the writing of the Qur’an and M’s first revelation (the Night of Power).

Hajj - Pilgrimage  (Why Do Muslims perform hajj?)  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.  Significance: Commemorates Abraham’s life, including his willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims atone for their sins and encourages Muslims from all cultures to be together.