What Are The Five Pillars Of Islam

Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are like guidelines for Muslims. Created by the Prophet Muhammad, each gives details on what Muslims should do to be more favorable unto God. All pillars are mandatory and in a way, has an order to them, starting with the basic of the First Pillar.
The First Pillar of Islam is Islam’s Creed of Declaration or Shahadah. The Shahadah is very brief stating, “There is no god, but God, and Muhammad is his Prophet (216).” The statement reaffirms their monotheistic belief and their belief in the validity of Muhammad (216). Muslims must say the Shahadah slowly, thoughtfully, and with full knowledge of what they are saying. Said especially when in trouble or threaten like a woman giving childbirth, a student
Muhammad want muslims to be “constant in prayer” to keep them grounded (217). It can be used to give constant thanks, but it is also a reminder that they are not the center of everything and that God is in control (217). They are basically just creatures placed in this world by their “Creator” or God (217). How Muhammad came about the prayer started with his Night Journey to Heaven, Muhammad traveled to heaven to meet God who told him Muslims should pray fifty times a day. He later stopped to meet Moses who scoffed at the idea of fifty prayers knowing that people would not be willing to do it, so he made Muhammad go back and negotiate with God several times until Muhammad had enough and settled on five (217). The times set for prayer are “on arising, when sun reaches it zenith, its mid-decline, sunset, and before retiring (217).” The timing is not necessarily strict, especially when there is a threat to your life for praying, but it is recommended (218). How they prayed was based off of Muhammad’s actions which included washing oneself before prayer to “purify the body and symbolically the soul” and sitting in an upright position at the beginning of the prayer while later lowering yourself until your head touches the ground which is the highlight of the prayer (218). It is also preferred that they pray in a mosque for Friday Night Prayer while facing the direction of Mecca (218). When praying they pray for “praise,
The third pillar is charity which for Muslims means those who have more should share with those who have less. In order to implement this teaching, a graduated tax was created in the 7th century for the “haves” to help relieve the “have-nots” (218). The tax was set for two and a half percent which was not only for income but also for holdings (219). The poor were the only ones who did not have to pay the tax, but for other classes they had to give “one fortieth” to slaves buying their freedom, debtors, strangers, wayfarers, and alms collectors which is specified in the Koran (219). It is also through the fourth pillar, the observance of Ramadan, that higher classes can know how it feels to go without. Ramadan is the Islamic holy month where “able-bodied” Muslims fast for a whole month to commemorate the revelation of Muhammad and the journey or Hijrah from Mecca to Medina he took (219). From dawn to dusk, they do not eat, drink, or even smoke, but after sundown, they can do those things in moderation (219). Due to the Muslim calendar being lunar, Ramadan rotates throughout the year and depending on when it falls, could actually be a challenge, specifically during the summer (219). By fasting, it clears their mind while teaching them self discipline and compassion since they can feel how hunger really feels. Fasting also makes them realize how dependent they are on God (219). With the