Pillars of Islamic PracticeSCTR 19 - Religions of the Book

Prepared by Sean Hind

What are the Five Pillars? Main Religious Practices of Sunnis:

Profession of FaithRitual PrayerAlmsgiving Fastingduring Ramadan

Pilgrimageto Makka

Described esp. in Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281

ShahadaDeclaration 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 faithRecited frequently, publicly and privatelyPart of the Adhan (5x daily “Call to Prayer”)

Shi’ite Muslims add “Ali is the Friend of God”

Salat

Ritual Prayer or WorshipPerformed 5x daily by Sunnis, 3x by Shi’itesMuezzein cries out the Adhan (“Call to Prayer”)

Ritual washings performed before prayerPrescribed body movements during prayerPrayer 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

Zakat

Giving Alms to the Poor2.5% of capital assets, annuallySeen as “Purification of wealth”Formerly collected as a tax in Muslim countriesNow usually up to individualsReminds people that ultimately,everything belongs to God

See Qur’an 2:261-281; 107:1-7

SawmFasting during Ramadan

Considered holiest month of Islamic yearNo food, drink, smoke, sex during daylight hoursMandated by Qur’an (e.g. Surah 2:183-188)

Exceptions: children, elderly, sick, pregnantFor spiritual and physical cleansing/renewalConsequences of not fasting?Meals after sunset: Iftar (“breaking the fast”)

Ends with Eid al-Fitr (“Feast of Breaking the Fast”)

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 yearSimple garments are worn, stressing equalitySeveral rituals take place during 3-4 days

Culminates with Eid al-Adha (“Feast of the Sacrifice”)

ReviewThe Five Pillars:

See esp. Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281

Shahada – Declaration of Faith

Salat – Ritual Prayer or Worship

Zakat – Giving alms to the poor

Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan

Hajj – Pilgrimage to Makka

A Sixth Pillar (for some Muslims, esp. Shi’ites):Jihad – Struggle or Exertion for the Faith

Jihad“Struggle or exertion” for the cause of

faithShould 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 allSee Qur’an 2:190-193