The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is a religion that one fifth of the world’s population have embraced. Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion, which worships one god. Islam is a straightforward and uncomplicated religion to follow, all one must do is follow the Five Pillars. The five Pillars of Islam are the commandments, which were given to the people by the prophet Mohammed, a messenger from God. The Five Pillars are to be followed to secure a place in paradise, or heaven, upon death (Fisher, 2005).

In the Islam religion The Five Pillars are learned at a very young age, and are remembered and recited constantly throughout a Muslim’s life. The Five Pillars provide guidance for all Muslims around the globe (Fisher, 2005).

The first Pillar of Islam; Shahadah, which is a testimony in Hebrew that means one believes in and worships only one god. The message of Shahadah is to be spread to one’s neighbors, without force, to ensure they have the information needed for entrance into heaven. Although the Qur’an, Muslim bible, mentions respect for all prophets and scriptures, the only being to be worshiped and direct prayer is God (Fisher, 2005).

The Second Pillar of Islam, Salaah, is the prescription for prayer. Muslims are devout religious people who pray five times a day. They face Mecca, the holy land of Islam, kneeling and bowing while reciting and repeating prayer. The daily prayers are a way for all Muslims around the world to unite to worship, wherever they are. There are no separation of class, men and women, young and old pray together solemnly and directly to God. The five times daily prayer of the Muslims is to purify, comfort, encourage, and awaken the soul, along with strengthen one’s faith in God (Fisher, 2005).

The third pillar of Islam is, Zakat, or spiritual purifying by charity. The Muslims believe that one is to prevent personal greed, and lessen the gap between the rich and the poor by...