The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar #1: Shahadah

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? 

The declaration of faith is when someone acclaims their faith in the Islamic religion- in the one God, Allah, and submits themselves to him.

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?

It signifies that someone is strong in their faith, believes in Allah and is willing to follow him. It shows that they have made a choice in their own religion.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2: Salat

• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.

Before prayer, Muslims must cleanse themselves by washing- first their face, then wet their hair with their right hand, then wash their hands and arms up to the elbows and then their feet. A rug must be laid out if prayer is at home, and shoes must be taken off. At the Mosque, the Muezzin sings the call to prayer.

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?

Muslims pray 5 times a day- at dawn, before sunrise, at noon time, before sunset and at the beginning of the night.

• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like? 

Muslims pray in Arabic, as a song. They hold their hands up, palms facing forward, to symbolise leaving everything behind and submitting themselves to Allah. They get down upon their knees and bow before their God. In putting their heads down to their feet, they show that they know nothing, they have no knowledge in comparison to Allah. 

• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way?

When praying, Muslims face Mecca, Saudi Arabia. They face this way because in Mecca is the Ka’ba, which was built by Abraham and Ishmael.

• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer? 

Muslims pray lines from the Qur’an, often ones that they have learned when they were younger.

• Why do Muslims pray?

To show their submission and devotion to Allah.

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3: Zakat (concern for the needy)

• What is Zakat?  What is emphasized in Zakat?

Zakat is concern for the needy. Muslims believe they should be willing to give because of what Allah has given to them, and in giving they are praising their God. It assures people don’t cling to their money because they won’t have it forever and it helps people to let go of greed and love of money. It is mentioned in the Qur’an, and it is said that the more you give, the more you will receive.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes? 

As a sign of giving because God gave to them. It is not only obedience to God, but it is acknowledging that everything comes from Allah. Muslims are expected to give 2.5% of their wealth every year.

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?

The act of giving is a form of worshipping God, which is what prayer is.

• How is Zakat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?

Zakat is giving in the name of God and for God.

Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Sawan/Ramadan

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? 

Fasting is refraining from any food or drink, smoking or sexual activity during the month of Ramadan.

• Why do Muslims fast? 

Muslims fast to appreciate God’s gifts, feel how the poor must suffer, to purify themselves and to worship God. It helps them to realize the value of charity and generosity, as well as coming together with other Muslims.

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr? 

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims must fast. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival when all Muslims dress up and visit the Mosque to pray. They also visit family and friends to celebrate.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: The Hajj

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? 

Once in their lifetime.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj? 

Muslims go to the Ka’ba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

• What and where is the Ka’ba?  Describe this place. 

The Ka’ba is in Mecca, and is a place of worship that was built by Abraham and Ishmael over four thousand years ago. They built it out of stone as a command from God, and people flock there as part of the Hajj and worship Allah.

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj?

Around 1 million Muslims participate in Hajj.

• What is the goal of Hajj? 

To promote Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by bringing everyone together. It shows that before God everyone is equal. It also allows Muslims to feel the importance of their life.

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?

To be clean before God, free and forgiven of sin. They wear white clothes to symbolise their purity. They all wear the same thing to symbolise their purity.

• How does Mubarak describe his experiences as a pilgrim?

Everyone was very focused, and wouldn’t bother anyone else. Everything was about Allah.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?

Abraham made the first pilgrimage, from Ur to Canaan (Israel).