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FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM.
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Examines Islamic teaching from THE KORAN & describes the 5 pillars & their purpose.... More...
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Paper Abstract:
Examines Islamic teaching from THE KORAN & describes the 5 pillars & their purpose.
Paper Introduction:
AN EXPLANATION OF THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
It is estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide follow Islam, with Indonesia claiming the largest Islamic population, 88 percent of its 206,491,000 people (Yost, 1998, 11).
The term "Islam" is derived from an Arabic word "salaama" (submission) and is generally agreed to mean submission to Allah's will and obedience to Allah's law. The Muslim (adherent of Islam) believes that everything in the world (with the exception of man) is ruled by Allah-made laws. The writings of Islamic teaching discuss Five Pillars of Islam, each of which is described below. The Five Pillars are:
1. The act of "witnessing" that there is only one God and his name is Allah, and Mohammad is His messenger.
2. The establishment of prayers
3. Th
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The Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) if affordable. When a Muslim performs Zakat, he believes that it not only purifieshis property of the contributor but also purifies his heart fromselfishness and greed. Exceptions:women during their period of menstruation and while nursing their child,and also in case of travel and sickness for both men and women (AlaMaudidi, 1984, 62). The World & I, 26. After the sun begins to decline from its zenith until it is aboutmidway on its course to set. Thewritings of Islamic teaching discuss Five Pillars of Islam, each of whichis described below. The devout Muslim is required, once in his or herlifetime, to make a pilgrimage to Mecca and to walk around the monumentfive times. Each of these verses deals with principles, doctrines and directionsfor every sphere of human life. Angels spend their time in the service of Allah (Massie,1998, 22). 3. Pillar Two: The establishment of prayers This pillar, known as "salah" means praying to Allah on a daily basis. The contributor should not seekpride or fame but if disclosing his name and his contribution is likely toencourage others, it is acceptable to do so (Burrell, 1997, 19). The pillars of Islamic faith: what weshould know and why, Commonweal, 17-2 . As Ala Maududi (1984)points out, "salah" is a"matchless and unprecedented formula of intellectual meditation andspiritual devotion, of moral elevation and physical exercise, all combined"(Ala Maudidi, 1984, 112). Men and women are all born Muslims (according to thisbelief) and Allah gave each person at birth spiritual and intellectualpotential. "Salah" must be performed five times a day, along with a specialprayer on Friday noon, and funeral prayers. Allah also believes that the sole purpose of life isto worship him. Zakat is also said to purify the heart of therecipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fostersinstead good-will and warm wishes for the contributors. Massie, A. After the expiration of the sunset prayer until dawn. The Muslim (adherent of Islam) believes that everything inthe world (with the exception of man) is ruled by Allah-made laws. The act of "witnessing" that there is only one God and his name isAllah, and Mohammad is His messenger. Muslims go to Mecca to glorify Allah, not to worship a man (AlaMaudidi, 1984, 133). The people who receive the money from the zakat are the poor, theneedy, the new Muslim converts, the Muslim prisoners of war (to liberatethem), Muslims in debt, employees appointed to collect Zakat, Muslims inservice of research or study or propagation of Islam, and wayfarers who areforeigners in need of help. This is for man's benefit, not Allah's, since Allah is considered to befree of all needs. "Delayed obligatory prayersmust be made up. Human beings are considered the highest creatures in this cosmogonyand human beings are given the gift of a rational mind and also have aspiritual aspect. The visit to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad at Medinais highly recommended but not essential in making the Hajj valid andcomplete. Muslims from all walks of life and from all nations make this annualpilgrimage, which is supposedly in response to the call of Allah. According to Ala Maudidi (1984) fasting generates a creative sense ofhope, devotion, patience, unselfishness, moderation, willpower, soundbudgeting, mature adaptability, healthy survival, discipline, spirit ofsocial belonging, unity and brotherhood (Ala Maudidi, 1984, 88). 4. 31). One of the reasons for fasting is that in this way, humans become likethe angels, the purely spiritual and splendid beings created by Allah.They require no food or drink or sleep. Obligatory fasting is done once a year for the period of the month ofRamadan; the ninth month of the Islamic year. In addition to the prescribed prayer, a Muslim expressesgratitude to God and appreciation of His favors and asks for His mercy allthe time" (Burrell, 1997, 2 ). This first pillar is called "shahada" and it is described by Sachedina(1997) as "the formula through which a person converts to Islam. There are other suggested times for prayer, including thesesituations: * Childbirth * Marriage * Going to or getting out of bed * Leaving and returning home * Starting a journey * Entering a city * Riding or driving Pillar Three: The payment of the Zakat In the Christian and Catholic faiths, tithing is suggested. (1984). Pillar Four: Observation of the fast of Ramadan One critical aspect of Islam is fasting, which is considered toabstain completely from eating, drinking, intimate sexual contacts andsmoking from the break of dawn till sunset. Observation of the fast of Ramadan 5. Sachedina, A., (1997, Sept. The Koran wasrevealed over a period of 23 years in the Arabic language and contains 114Surahs (chapters) and over 6 verses. In Islam,charity is an obligation that is also an act of worship and spiritualinvestment. Immediately after sunset until the red glow in the sky disappears. 2. The Koran explains that this means living life accordingto Allah's rules. (1997, Jan. Burrell (1997) points out that prayer should be offered in its duetime, unless there is a reasonable excuse. (1998, May 9). "Zakat" means purity, but it also refers to the annual amountin kind or coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among therightful beneficiaries. The payment of the Zakat (tax) 4. The real mother of all battles Anintelligent study of Islam today misses a wider point, says Allan Massie,The Daily Telegraph. 1. The Five Pillars are: 1. The Hajj is called for in The Holy Koran as a way of paying witnessand tribute to all 25 of the Islamic messengers, including Noah, Abraham,Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Mid-afternoon, between Noon prayer time until sunset. The theme of the Koran broadly consists ofthree fundamental ideas: Oneness of Allah, Prophethood and life afterdeath. Belief inGod constitutes the integrity of human existence, individually and as amember of society" (Sachedina, 1997, 26). Fasting during Ramadan is aworship act which is obligatory on every adult Muslim, male or female ifhe/she is mentally and physically fit and not on a journey. (1998, Oct. Yost, B. The establishment of prayers 3. Prayer is an act of worship. Burrell points out that Zakat serves as a reminder that "We are neverto forget that our life comes forth each moment from the hand of God, andour destiny as well. Zakat is paid on the net balance after paying personal expenses,family expenses, due credits, taxes, etc. AN EXPLANATION OF THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM It is estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide follow Islam,with Indonesia claiming the largest Islamic population, 88 percent of its2 6,491, people (Yost, 1998, 11). All of the above mentioned pillars come from the Koran, the sacredbook of the Muslims, which was the last book of guidance from Allah, sentdown to Muhammad, through the angel Jibraeel (Gabriel). Burrell, D.B. Pillar Five: The Hajj In the city of Mecca, said to be the birthplace of Mohammed, there isa large black monument. They have no physical desires normaterial needs. Every Muslim male and female who is sane, mature (and not menstruatingor pregnant) is obligated to pray and also to perform ritual cleansing,called "wudu." The person who prays must dress properly, lie down and facethe Qiblah (the direction of the Ka'bah at Mecca). 5. Pillar One: Allah is the Only God Allah is described in the Koran (the Islamic Holy Book)and he asksabsolute submission. 1). The term "Islam" is derived from an Arabic word "salaama" (submission)and is generally agreed to mean submission to Allah's will and obedience toAllah's law. The success of human beings on this earth (and the hereafter)depends on obedience to the Koranic teaching and adherence to the FivePillars. References Ala Maudidi, S.A. Islam: Its meaning and message, in M.Tariq Quraishi (ed.), Indianapolis: American Trust Publications. This latter can easily spawn a form of fatalism,where the ubiquitous phrase "in sh'Allah" ("God willing" ) becomes anexcuse for taking no initiative whatsoever" (Burrell, 1997, 19). 7). After dawn and before sunrise each day. Muslims shine light on beliefs, TheArizona Republic, 11. The daily prayers must be performed according to this schedule. What Is Islam? 2.
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