Pillars of Islam
Pillars of Islam
HUM 130
March 8
Pillars of Islam
The central beliefs of Islam are easy and very pointed. “Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, purity, acceptance and commitment. As a religion, Islam calls for complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God.” (Fisher, 2014). The religion as a whole is based on the four words described; peace, purity, acceptance and commitment and those who are devote followers of Islam will act all four of these words out on nearly a daily basis. These thoughts are represented in each of the Five Pillars of Islam. The first pillar, the Shahadah, is about understanding the unity of god and Muhammad. This is about accepting that there is no other god but God and that Muhammad is God’s true messenger. The second pillar, Salaat, or daily prayer, is about commitment. Each Muslim will pray 5 times daily in a ritualistic fashion facing Mecca and saying certain prayers while they bow and are on their knees. This prayer is very important as it is a reminder to Islamic people that God is in every part of life. The third pillar, zakat, is about charity and giving to those in need. This is really about keeping ones soul pure by helping those around them who are less fortunate. Muslims will donate certain amounts of their wealth to Muslims less fortunate as it will decrease inequality and ensure that all are taken care of. The fourth pillar, fasting, is about commitment and acceptance. Muslims believe that fasting creates “an unselfish surrender to God’s commandment and an assertion of control over the lower desires.” (Fisher, 2014). All Muslims fast during Ramadan so Muslims worldwide know that they are not the only ones undertaking the fast. The fifth and final pillar, Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are to do this at least once in their lifetimes. While there, a certain routine is followed to pray and worship God.
The easiest pillar to fulfill would be the Salaat. Praying
HUM 130
March 8
Pillars of Islam
The central beliefs of Islam are easy and very pointed. “Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, purity, acceptance and commitment. As a religion, Islam calls for complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God.” (Fisher, 2014). The religion as a whole is based on the four words described; peace, purity, acceptance and commitment and those who are devote followers of Islam will act all four of these words out on nearly a daily basis. These thoughts are represented in each of the Five Pillars of Islam. The first pillar, the Shahadah, is about understanding the unity of god and Muhammad. This is about accepting that there is no other god but God and that Muhammad is God’s true messenger. The second pillar, Salaat, or daily prayer, is about commitment. Each Muslim will pray 5 times daily in a ritualistic fashion facing Mecca and saying certain prayers while they bow and are on their knees. This prayer is very important as it is a reminder to Islamic people that God is in every part of life. The third pillar, zakat, is about charity and giving to those in need. This is really about keeping ones soul pure by helping those around them who are less fortunate. Muslims will donate certain amounts of their wealth to Muslims less fortunate as it will decrease inequality and ensure that all are taken care of. The fourth pillar, fasting, is about commitment and acceptance. Muslims believe that fasting creates “an unselfish surrender to God’s commandment and an assertion of control over the lower desires.” (Fisher, 2014). All Muslims fast during Ramadan so Muslims worldwide know that they are not the only ones undertaking the fast. The fifth and final pillar, Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are to do this at least once in their lifetimes. While there, a certain routine is followed to pray and worship God.
The easiest pillar to fulfill would be the Salaat. Praying