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Five Pillars of Islam

Introduction

Religion is a sensitive cultural aspect that has profound importance on the way of life of an individual. Essentially, it comprises of various norms, values and practices that prescribe a certain way of life. Adherence to the prescribed code of behavior is a vital practice of the relative faith. Islam religion has distinctive practices that are adhered to by the religious community. These are fundamental and they form the basement upon which the entire religion is anchored. In other words, all religious practices revolve around this. One such aspect is the five pillars. These were founded during historical times and provide a strong framework within which the religion is inclined. It is against this background hat this paper provides an explicit analysis of the five pillars of Islam. In detail, it underscores its historical significance and illustrates why it is considered a classic in Islam.

According to Asad, the five pillars constitute the core beliefs that the Muslims hold in high regard (45). In particular, they give meaning to the different religious practices that are assumed by the adherents. Unlike the commandments that are prescribed in Christianity and Jewish religions, the pillars prescribe a practical way of life that puts in consideration that different aspects that impact on human life. This practical nature is an important facet that accords the pillars a classic status. In addition, the fact that the information contained therein is timeless and can be applied to everyday living, regardless of time and age qualifies the pillars as a real classic (Asad 52).

In his review, Grieve indicates that the pillars are prioritized in order of importance (76). The first one is Shahadah that lays emphasis on the need to practice monotheistic faith. It indicates that there is only one God who is also referred to as Allah. This is followed by salat that ascertains the importance of prayer. The relative ritual prayer is said in Arabic, usually five times a day. Adherents perform this while facing Mecca that has spiritual significance in Islam. Zakat is the third pillar and it prescribes the need to provide assistance to poor individuals. It is a religious obligation that can be likened to tithing in Christianity. The fourth pillar is referred to as Siyam and it emphasizes on the need to fast during Ramadan. This is the ninth month in the religious calendar in which all individuals who are able bodied are expected to fast during the day. Finally, Hajj is the last pillar and it encourages the adherents to make an effort to visit Mecca on an annual basis. In this respect, Lewis perceives this a Jihad because of the fact that the journey is challenging (88). The inherent suffering can be equated to the suffering that Prophet Muhammad experienced.

The pillars are fundamental aspects of Islam and are religiously adhered to by Muslims in order to experience a sense of spiritual satisfaction and fulfillment. According to religious studies, a Muslim’s faith is considered worthless and pointless without complete devotion to the five pillars. Notably, the five pillars provide guidance and offer direction with regards to religious faith. Notably, they can be intricately woven in the daily activities of a Muslim and are a sign of religious devotion. Further, they provide a rich source from which the adherents derive their value system. Therefore, failure to adhere to these can be equated to contravention of the value system which then amounts to immorality. The Muslim community holds these in high regard and irrespective of the fact that certain factions do not adhere to all the prescriptions, they still consider the pillars fundamental (Lewis 77).

From a religious point of view, fundamentalism refers to the practice of conserving one’s faith (Grieve 63). It is an importance aspect of faith as it encourages strict adherence to the religious teachings and therefore has a sense of satisfaction. Effective interpretation of the five pillars is important as it enables one to uphold religious faith. At this point, it is worth acknowledging that fundamentalism practice ensures that the pillars are defined appropriately and mainstreamed in one’s life accordingly. It cushions the religious practices against the intrusive and devastating effects of the secularized society. As such, it plays a leading role in ensuring that the intrinsic information is not distorted to suit emerging practices of the modern society. In general, it can be contended that it plays a critical role of preserving the Muslim faith and avoiding possible erosion that is likely to compromise its credibility. This is imperative especially considering the fact that the pillars provide a basement for Islamic faith.

Conclusion

At this juncture, it can be ascertained that the five pillars are an important aspect of Islam. As it has come out from the study, these not only provide guidance to behavior but align the same to Islam faith. Most importantly, the pillars offer credible prescription with regard to the beliefs, norms, practices and value system of this religion. Without them, it can be posited that Islam will lose meaning and its value system is likely to be eroded. It is a classic segment of the religion that should therefore be upheld. Fundamentalism should be encouraged as it cushions the religion against detrimental impacts.

Works Cited

Asad, Muhammad. The Road to Mecca. USA: Muslim Academic Trust, 1998.

Grieve, Paul. A Brief Guide to Islam: Faith, Religion, Politics. USA: Running Press, 2006.

Lewis, Bernard. The World of Islam: Faith, People, Culture. USA: Thomas & Hudson, 1991.