The five Pillars of Islam

Pillar #1: 

                                                          Shahaddah                                                                       

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? 

The declaration of faith is when Muslims submit their faith in Allah (God) and that he is the one and only God.

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?

Because it shows that they are willing to completely commit themselves to Allah and follow all Muslim beliefs.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2:                                                           Salat                                                           

• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.

They must first cleanse themselves by washing their hands up to their elbows, their face, their feet and wetting their hair. They then remove their shoes and step onto a mat facing Mecca.

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?

             

             Muslims pray five times a day; at dawn, before sunrise, at noon time, in the middle of the noon right       

             before sunset), and in the beginning of the night.

·         What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like?

 They focus deeply on their prayer and concentrate on Allah and nothing else. They sing prayer in Arabic and kneel down with their forehead touching the ground in praise. This movement says that they are lower than Allah and he is the highest of all.

·         In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way?

They face Mecca because it is the location of where the holy shrine of the ka’ba is.

·         What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?

Verses from the Qur’an. They move their hands to either side of their head, palms facing forward in a praising position. This position says that they are ‘leaving the whole world behind them and I am coming to you, oh God, in submission’

·         Why do Muslims pray?

To show their submission and devotion to Allah.

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3:                                                           Zakaat                                                                    

• What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat?

                                 

Obligatory to the Muslim religion.  Each Muslim who is gaining an income must give two and a half percent of their savings over the last year to the poor.  This is emphasized in the Qur’an, and it is said that the more you give, the more god gives you.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes? 

Muslims make donations because it is considered a gift from almighty. A minimum of two and a half percent of their savings.

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?

Zakaat is emphasized in the Qur’an and is mentioned 82 times. It is believed that the more you give, the more blessings you will receive. You cannot claim you a true leader without helping others.

• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?

When you give, you feel that you are taking care of others as god is taking care of you and it enriches the souls of muslims.

Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4:                              Hajj                                                                                          

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? 

If you do not fast, then you are not a true Muslim.

• Why do Muslims fast? 

To show their appreciation for Gods gifts, realize the suffering of the poor, show their  respect for God,  obeying God, self discipline, become spiritually stronger.  

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr? 

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is the festival to complete  Hajj where large feasts take place.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5:                                                           Hajj                                                              

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? 

Every Muslim must go at least once in their lifetime.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj? 

The Ka’aba

• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place.

In the centre of Mecca and is a large black box structure in a large arena. Muslims believe the Kaaba was built by Allah, according to the Qa’ran. Afterward visiting the Kaaba, they journey to the foot of Mt Abaft  where the profit Muhammad preached his last Sermon.

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj?

              2 million

• What is the goal of Hajj? 

To worship God, sacrifice and journey with him.

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?

To cleanse the soul. The purpose of the garments worn by muslims is that they are plain, there is no status and all muslims are equal and cannot be judges or compared.

• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?

He was not bothered by all the crowds and felt connected by the respect shown for God.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?

It makes the first pilgrimage to Canaan.