Lesson Objectives

Lesson Objectives Know: the 5 pillars of Islam Understand: what these pillars mean to Muslims Evaluate: think about pillars for ourselves

The 5 Pillars Key Q: What are the 5 pillars?

What do we mean by pillars? • A pillar is something which supports a building, and stops it falling down. • What do you think the Pillars of Islam are? • The 5 Pillars of Islam are 5 things which a Muslim would do to show they were committed to the religion of Islam

Faith - Shahadah It is the first thing that is said into a baby’s ear. Faith The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. It is a declaration of faith spoken by all Muslims. The Shahadah must be spoken publicly before a person can be considered a Muslim. The Qur’an states that the Shahadah must be “spoken by the tongue and with the full assent of the heart”. This means that is not simply enough to speak these words; you must also believe them. There is no God worthy of worship except Allah, andMuhammad is HisMessenger [or Prophet].

Prayer – Salat/Salah • Salat is the second pillar of Islam. ‘Salat’ means ‘prayer’. It is every Muslim’s duty to pray to Allah five times a day. • The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day:* dawn* noon* late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed • Wash before praying. • Face Mecca and use a prayer rug

Charity – Zakat Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is the amount of money that every Muslim who is financially able must pay to support people who are poor and needy. Zakat should be given once a year; however, a Muslim can choose when in this year they wish to pay it. Zakat can be paid to a mosque or to Zakat organisations such as Islamic Relief or Muslim Hands. Traders must give 2.5% of the value of their goods to Zakat.

Fasting - Sawm Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam. It means fasting. When fasting, Muslims do not eat, drink or have sex. Muslims practise Sawm by fasting every year in the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. By practising Sawm, a Muslim develops sympathy for suffering. It also demonstrates discipline and obedience to Allah. Muslims do not have to fast if they are under 12, too old, pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling or sick.

Pilgrimage The Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It is the journey to Makkah that every adult Muslim should undertake at least once in their life. The Hajj promotes the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah.

5. The Hajj • Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the titlehajji to their name.

Extension: What do you think is the most important pillar, explain why. Write a paragraphs explaining why you think Muslims keep to the pillars.

My Five Pillars What I believe in… What I do everyday… What charity I would give to… What I could give up… Where I would like to go…

Questions for thinking • How many pillars do Muslims try to act upon? • What is the Muslim word for God? • Who do Muslims believe was the last messenger of God? • How many times each day should Muslims pray? • What language do Muslims use during prayer? • What do Muslims do before they pray? • In which direction do Muslims face when they pray? • What word is used for giving away savings for good purposes? • During which month do Muslims fast? • Where do Muslims go on pilgrimage?

One question I would like to ask. Two ideas that I have understood Three facts that I have learnt.

Lesson Objectives