The five pillars are a must for all who follow Islam, each pillar requires both an internal and spiritual commitment. The first pillar is to bear witness to the oneness of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, as he’s messenger this pillar is called the Shahada, which is to bear witness, it also witnesses the monotheism of Islam.
The second pillar is Salat (ritual prayer) this means each Muslim must offer five daily prayers. The prayers are recited in Arabic, prayers are offered every Friday at sunset for night prayers in any Mosque. There are many reasons why prayer is so important to Muslims some reasons are to have complete obedience to Allah, thanking Allah for all his blessings, building a strong connection with Allah, and asking for forgiveness. Salat is so important to a Muslims daily life that some scholars say if you do not pray you will never be amongst those in paradise.
The third pillar is Zakat (almsgiving) this is where money is collected in homes, mosques, Islamic centers and given to the poor. The expected amount to be given is 2-½% of a person’s income, the money is considered within the Muslim community for the needs of the poor among the Muslims. The aim for the person contributing is to purify and cleanse wealth, and allows it to be free from greed and selfishness. This helps Muslims to not be attached or cling to money and realize that it’s only there for a short period of time until you die.
The forth is Sawm (fasting) the period for fasting is during Ramadan, although you are allowed to fast outside of that month if you want to make up for the days you’ve missed. It is also the month of the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, fasting consists of no food, drink, and any other physical pleasures this includes smoking and sexual activity. When one finishes fasting they should have learnt self discipline, avoid greed and selfishness. The month of Ramadan ends with the feast of "Id-ul-Fitr" which is one of the great celebratory occasions in Islam.
The fifth pillar is Hajj the holy pilgrimage located in Mecca, Medina (Saudi Arabia) the word Hajj means to embark on a journey with a purpose. Muslims from all around the world are expected to visit the Kaaba at least once in their life (if they can afford it) when it comes to Hajj it’s all about the intention “niyyah” if a person is unable to go to hajj because of poor health, financial issues, or unable circumstances then as long as there heart is in the right place they won’t be judged by Allah. There are many rituals you must do in Mecca to cleanse yourself and for all your sins to be wiped away and forgiven, there is no greater opportunity for a Muslim person to be forgiven before the Day of Judgment unless they go and seek forgiveness in Hajj.
The second pillar is Salat (ritual prayer) this means each Muslim must offer five daily prayers. The prayers are recited in Arabic, prayers are offered every Friday at sunset for night prayers in any Mosque. There are many reasons why prayer is so important to Muslims some reasons are to have complete obedience to Allah, thanking Allah for all his blessings, building a strong connection with Allah, and asking for forgiveness. Salat is so important to a Muslims daily life that some scholars say if you do not pray you will never be amongst those in paradise.
The third pillar is Zakat (almsgiving) this is where money is collected in homes, mosques, Islamic centers and given to the poor. The expected amount to be given is 2-½% of a person’s income, the money is considered within the Muslim community for the needs of the poor among the Muslims. The aim for the person contributing is to purify and cleanse wealth, and allows it to be free from greed and selfishness. This helps Muslims to not be attached or cling to money and realize that it’s only there for a short period of time until you die.
The forth is Sawm (fasting) the period for fasting is during Ramadan, although you are allowed to fast outside of that month if you want to make up for the days you’ve missed. It is also the month of the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, fasting consists of no food, drink, and any other physical pleasures this includes smoking and sexual activity. When one finishes fasting they should have learnt self discipline, avoid greed and selfishness. The month of Ramadan ends with the feast of "Id-ul-Fitr" which is one of the great celebratory occasions in Islam.
The fifth pillar is Hajj the holy pilgrimage located in Mecca, Medina (Saudi Arabia) the word Hajj means to embark on a journey with a purpose. Muslims from all around the world are expected to visit the Kaaba at least once in their life (if they can afford it) when it comes to Hajj it’s all about the intention “niyyah” if a person is unable to go to hajj because of poor health, financial issues, or unable circumstances then as long as there heart is in the right place they won’t be judged by Allah. There are many rituals you must do in Mecca to cleanse yourself and for all your sins to be wiped away and forgiven, there is no greater opportunity for a Muslim person to be forgiven before the Day of Judgment unless they go and seek forgiveness in Hajj.