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Islam Five Pillars

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Islam Five Pillars
Explain and analyse the significance of the Five Pillars of Islam on the individual and the community making reference to the principal beliefs where relevant.

Central to the Muslim belief is the importance of devotion and total submission to Allah. This is put into practice through the Five Pillars of Islam –the five obligatory duties that must be performed by all practising Muslims. These are the acts of faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. Carrying out these duties creates structure in a Muslim’s life, teaching them to devote their time to Allah and not get caught up in their own secular lives. The effect the Five Pillars of Islam has on not only the individual but the community as a whole is substantial. Constantly sacrificing time, money and pleasures the Five Pillars of Islam provides the individual with life long skills whilst bringing together the Muslim community in a way that no ordinary lifestyle could.

Submitting themselves both spiritually and physically.

Shahada is the first pillar of faith. For one to be accepted into the Muslim community they must first publicly declare their faith by speaking aloud the words of Kalima (Arabic for sentence). ‘I testify that there is no god but The God. And I testify the Muhammad is the Messenger of God.’ Once said he or she has said this they will be accepted as a Muslim. The act of being accepted highlights the strong importance of community in the Muslim belief. Being brought together by the common belief that the only purpose in life is to serve and obey God, unifying the Muslim community. The principal beliefs of Tawhid and Rusaluhu are explored in the declaration of faith. Core to the Muslim religion is the belief in the existence and unity of God, that there is no God but Allah, no one else is worthy of worship. In fact worshiping or comparing other idols to Allah is an unforgivable sin referred to as Shirk. Rusuluhu, the belief in the prophets and messengers of God are central to the



Bibliography: Kidwai, A. 2004. ‘Islam’. Roli Books, India. Lunde, P. 2002. ‘Islam’. Dorling Kinderslet, London Morrissey, J, Taylor, A, Bailey, G, Mudge, P & Rule, P 2010, Living Religion, Forth edn, Pearson, China. Quilliam,W.H. 2010. ‘The Faith of Islam’. Cosmo Publications, India. The Five Pillars of Islam, 2013 IslamiCIty, accessed 30 May 2013, <http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/pillars.shtml>. The Five Pillars of Islam, 2013 Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, accessed 30 May 2013, <http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/country-information/Islam/five_pillars_of_Islam.aspx>. What Are the Five Pillars of Islam, 2011 A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanging Islam, accessed 30 May 2013, <http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-16.htm>.

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