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Pillars of Islamic Practice

This text explores the Five Pillars of Islamic Practice and provides an overview of the main religious practices followed by Sunnis. It covers the Shahada (Declaration of Faith), Salat (Ritual Prayer), Zakat (Giving Alms to the Poor), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makka). The text also briefly discusses the concept of Jihad as a sixth pillar for some Muslims.

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Pillars of Islamic Practice

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  1. Pillars of Islamic Practice SCTR 19 - Religions of the Book Prepared by Sean Hind

  2. What are the Five Pillars? Main Religious Practices of Sunnis: • Profession of Faith • Ritual Prayer • Almsgiving • Fastingduring Ramadan • Pilgrimageto Makka • Described esp. in Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281

  3. Shahada Declaration of Faith: • “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” • Not directly from Qur’an, but combo (e.g. Surah 49) • Sincere profession without coercion is the only “initiation” into the Islamic faith • Recited frequently, publicly and privately • Part of the Adhan (5x daily “Call to Prayer”) • Shi’ite Muslims add “Ali is the Friend of God”

  4. Salat Ritual Prayer or Worship • Performed 5x daily by Sunnis, 3x by Shi’ites • Muezzein cries out the Adhan(“Call to Prayer”) • Ritual washings performed before prayer • Prescribed body movements during prayer • Prayer facing the Ka’bah in Makka (Qur’an 2:142-152) • Can be done alone or with others (esp. in mosque) • Friday Midday prayers – men required to attend

  5. Zakat Giving Alms to the Poor • 2.5% of capital assets, annually • Seen as “Purification of wealth” • Formerly collected as a tax in Muslim countries • Now usually up to individuals • Reminds people that ultimately,everything belongs to God • See Qur’an 2:261-281; 107:1-7

  6. Sawm Fasting during Ramadan • Considered holiest month of Islamic year • No food, drink, smoke, sex during daylight hours • Mandated by Qur’an (e.g. Surah 2:183-188) • Exceptions: children, elderly, sick, pregnant • For spiritual and physical cleansing/renewal • Consequences of not fasting? • Meals after sunset: Iftar(“breaking the fast”) • Ends with Eid al-Fitr (“Feast of Breaking the Fast”)

  7. Hajj Pilgrimage to Makka • Held annually, during 12th month (Dhu'l-Hijja) • Participation required once in lifetime, if possible(unless physically or financially unable; see Qur’an 2:196-203) • Ca. 2 – 3 million pilgrims attend each year • Simple garments are worn, stressing equality • Several rituals take place during 3-4 days • Culminates with Eid al-Adha(“Feast of the Sacrifice”)

  8. Review • The Five Pillars: • See esp. Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281 • Shahada – Declaration of Faith • Salat – Ritual Prayer or Worship • Zakat – Giving almsto the poor • Sawm – Fastingduring Ramadan • Hajj – Pilgrimageto Makka • A Sixth Pillar (for some Muslims, esp. Shi’ites): • Jihad – Struggle or Exertion for the Faith

  9. Jihad “Struggle or exertion” for the cause of faith • Should not be translated “Holy War” • Both internal (personal) and external (political) • Internal jihad more important than external jihad,in the opinion of most moderate Muslims • Concept is accepted by all Muslims,but not considered a “pillar” by all • See Qur’an 2:190-193

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