The Five Pillars of Islam
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.1.7
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars are the principal obligations for Muslims. They teach them how to live according to the teaching of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The image of the Five Pillars suggests they are important in supporting all other aspects of a Muslim’s life.
Shahada
- The Shahada is the Muslim profession of faith. It identifies the two central beliefs of Islam.
- That there is only one God, Allah. This belief is called Tawhid.
- That Muhammad was God's prophet.
- By accepting this, Muslims commit to obey the teachings of the Qur’an and Muhammad.
- The Shahada is what makes a person a Muslim. It has to be recited with conviction and understanding three times, before witnesses.
- It is also spoken into the ear of a newborn child in a Muslim family.
Salat
- Salat is the obligation to worship Allah and offer prayers, five times a day.
- Muslims do this facing Mecca, at dawn, midday, late afternoon, sunset, and towards the end of the day.
- Salat for Muslims means that they will not forget Allah or his commandments, and it will help them live a good life.
- Salat consists of worship and prayer. But also a series of movements in which Muslims bow down before Allah and submit to his will.
Zakat
- Zakat is the giving of alms as a proportion (2.5%) of a person’s wealth to benefit the poor.
- It is not considered charity, but justice. It is the acceptance that everyone has an obligation to help those in need.
- Giving Zakat also helps Muslims understand that what they have comes from God. And, that they leave their wealth behind when they die.
- In this way, they try not to become too attached to material things, and to avoid the sin of greed.
Sawm
- Sawm means fasting, specifically during the month of Ramadan.
- Ramadan lasts for over four weeks that month, during the hours of daylight.
- Muslims may not eat or drink anything, or smoke, or have sexual relations. They try to avoid evil thoughts and deeds.
- Muslims believe that fasting helps them to become more self-disciplined.
- Also to have a greater appreciation of what Allah has given them.
Hajj
- Hajj means pilgrimage, primarily to Mecca.
- It is an obligation on all Muslims, provided they are healthy enough to make the journey and can afford to do so.
- Although some Muslims try to go on Hajj more often, the obligation is to do so just once in a lifetime.
- There are many specific religious practices associated with Hajj.
Test yourself on The Five Pillars of Islam
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
What is fasting during the month of Ramadan called?