The Five Pillars Of Faith

The world-renowned religion, Islam, is founded upon five primary acts of worship. These Five Pillars of Faith are the fundamental principles which frame the lives of Islamic adherents. They represent the obligatory duties of each believer as they are commanded to exercise each Pillar with great sincerity, following in the footsteps of their Prophet Muhammad. These Pillars of Salat, Shahada, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj are recognised as the core beliefs by all islamic sects, despite their division. The fulfilment of each Pillar plays an important role in the lives of all adherents, impacting it in various ways.

The Shahada, or the testimony of faith, is the first basic component of Islam which must be recited daily with great devotion and conviction.
This islamic creed outlines the two central beliefs of the religion — that “there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger”. Through this declaration, Muslims bear witness to the unity of God and emphasise the monotheistic nature of Islam. The fulfillment of this Pillar is extremely integral to the Islamic adherents as its honest and wholehearted recitation, in the presence of two witnesses, is all that is required to become a Muslim, thus impacting their spirituality. It is also significant to their social life as they are introduced and welcomed into the Muslim community, providing a sense of belonging and acceptance. This is emphasised by Allah as he proclaimed, ‘indeed the believers are brothers’ (Quran 49:10). The recitation of the Shahada also provides a physical impact as it is the first words spoken to a newly born child and the last words recited before death. Through this simple act of worship, the individual is promised eternal salvation. When individuals profess this faith, they submit their entire being to Allah and strengthen the bond between themselves and their fellow Muslims.

The second element of Islam is the Pillar of Salat which consists of five mandatory ritual prayers.
These prayers must be performed daily during their designated time, from dawn until midnight. Whilst reciting each prayer, individuals must face the Ka’ba in Mecca. This establishes a social unity and provides a sense of identity, as all Muslims are called together to worship as one single body. This social impact is also enhanced every Friday when all Muslims gather in a Mosque to pray as a congregation. Prayer also impacts one’s spiritual life as they are able to establish a personal and direct relationship with Allah. This is significant to all Muslims as it provides them with the strength to overcome the temptations of Satan as regular ‘prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds’ (Quran 25:45). Individuals also turn to prayer when they encounter worries and sufferings in their daily life. Through their prayers, they invoke Allah who encourages his people to ‘seek help through patience and prayer’ (Quran 2:153). This is essential in lives of adherents as they gain emotional help, hope and comfort in God. The Pillar of Salat also impacts individuals’ physically as they must exercise different position whilst praying. They are also permitted to perform a ritual of cleansing to purify their soul, body and location before standing in the presence of
God.

The Pillar of Zakat outlines the third compulsory duty of Islamic adherents. This Pillar is the action of giving to the less fortunate individuals and families in society, purifying one’s wealth. This is evident in the Quran as Allah proclaims, ‘“Take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them” (Quran 9:103). When offering a Zakat, a total of 2.5% of one’s possession are given to the poor. This gesture must not be mistaken with sadaqah (charity) as it is not a voluntary action but a systematic, religious duty. The conduct of this Pillar is important to the lives of all Muslims as it reminds them that everything is owned by God - the possessions they do have are simply ‘borrowed’. Through the offering of this annual Zakat, the social lives of all individuals are transformed. The poorer communities are relieved from their hardships and sufferings whilst the wealthy individuals cleanse their spiritual souls from greed and materialism. The fulfillment of this Pillar also strengthens brotherhood within a community as it increases equality through the awareness of each others needs. Muslims recognise this Pillar with great significance as those who perform this ‘regular charity will have reward with the Lord’ (Quran 2:227).

All eligible Muslims are encouraged to participate in the fourth Pillar of Sawm, denying themselves from the consumption of food, drinks and sexual activities from sunrise to sunset. This period of fasting is known as Ramadan, which falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the same month the ‘Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind’ (Quran 2:185). This Pillar is extremely important to the lives of adherents as the deprivation of earthly materials, allows Muslims to undergo spiritual purification and reflection. It also provides them with spiritual healing and strength, as they are able to restrain from evil deeds and thoughts. This is emphasised in the Quran as God proclaimed, ‘Fasting is prescribed for you...that ye may ward off evil” (Quran 2:183). The participation of this fourth Pillar also impacts one’s physical life as they must avoid the consumption of food and drink until nightfall. This may, consequently, lead to many health complications. However, through this physical pain, individuals are able to unite with other Muslims in society as they suffer and sympathise with the poor.

The final component of Islam is the Hajj. Individuals who are financially and physically stable must participate in this five-day pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime. This is a compulsory “duty upon mankind owed to Allah for whoever can find a way” (Quran 3:97). The completion of this Pillar impacts one’s spiritual life as they are able to re-enforce their beliefs and establish a stronger, deeper relationship with Allah. The participation of this Pillar also washes away the stain of sin. This belief is evident in the Hadith as it proclaims, “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah, will return as free from sins as the day in which his mother gave birth to him”. This holy journey is also essential to the international Muslim community as it unites them as one body to worship the Tawhid at the Ka’ba. Whilst undertaking this annual pilgrimage, all Muslims must wear simple, white, seamless clothing. This also strengthens social unity as it symbolises their equality in the eyes of God, despite their culture, race, gender or status.

Furthermore, Muslims fulfil each Pillar of Faith with utmost devotion as they are the duties given to them by Allah, himself. They accomplish this by taking time and money from their daily lives to worship and serve their God. In doing so, many aspects of their lives are transformed as they strengthen their relationship with God and become better, committed followers. Each Pillar is an important component to all Muslims which impact their lives emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially.