Islam is the second largest of the three major monotheistic religions, the others being Christianity and Judaism. An adherent of the religion is called a Muslim (sometimes spelled “Moslem”). Muslims believe that the Holy Quran is God’s word as revealed to the prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E.) through the angel Gabriel. There are five basic beliefs of Islam, they are commonly refered to as the ‘Five Pillars‘ of Islam and are the foundation of Muslim life.
- Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet-hood of Muhammad.
- Establishment of the daily prayers.
- Concern for and alms giving to the needy.
- Self-purification through fasting.
- The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
Iman or Faith
“There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad.
Salah or Prayer or Namaaz
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshiper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one’s own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities.
Zakah or Zakat
The financial obligation upon Muslims.
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both “purification” and “growth.” Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one’s capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools. An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqah, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as “voluntary charity” it has a wider meaning.
Sawm or Fasting
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown–abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God.
Hajj or Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka’bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham’s wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of ‘Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the ‘Eid ul Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the ‘Eid ul Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramadan, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.