The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of a
Muslim’s way of life. It is the practical manifestation of a persons true
belief and to follow them is a requirement of all those who profess to be
Muslim. They should be carried out with sincerity and willingness as Islam
means peace and submission to Allah – they cannot be forced and are meaningless
if done so.
The five pillars of Islam are:
Shahadah – to recite the declaration of
faith
Salah - to pray five times a day
Zakat - to give in charity to the poor
Sawm -
to fast during the month of Ramadhan
Hajj -
to perform pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime
Shahadah (Declaration of
Faith)
The declaration of faith is called the shahadah; a
simple formula that all the faithful pronounce.
"There is none
worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger"
The transliteration of
the arabic is ‘la ilaha illa’Llah Muhammadur rasulu’Llah’
Sometimes the prefix ‘ashadu an’ - 'I bear witness
that' is added.
This declaration recognises the fundamental belief in
ONE God. The significance of this is the belief that the only purpose of life
is to serve and obey God. This is achieved through following the guidance in
the Qur’an sent down to Prophet Muhammad, His final messenger and the example
the Prophet set in the way he followed that guidance and lived his life (the
Sunnah).
Reciting this statement with the knowledge of what it
means and with sincerity of belief is all that is needed to become a Muslim.
Salah (Prayer)
Salah is the name for the formal prayers that are
performed by Muslims. These are a direct link between the worshipper and God.
There is no hierarchical authority in Islam; there is no need for another
person to intercede between the believer and God.
A Muslim must perform obligatory prayers five times a
day. These five daily prayers are considered to be one of the most important
pillars in Islam and every good Muslim strives to say their prayers regularly
and on time. Children are encouraged to pray, although it is not obligatory
until puberty is reached.
Purpose of Prayer
The reason we pray is quite simple – because God has
asked us to!
The prayer plays a central role in a Muslim’s daily
life. It is not a mere recitation of God's words, rather it is a reflection
within one's self to reach out to the Creator. Every limb, every emotion, every
element of the senses are focused on this journey towards God.
The preparation and performance of the prayer is
physically, mentally and spiritually uplifting for a Muslim. It allows one to
forget worldly concerns and focus on praising and worshipping God alone. It
serves as a constant reminder to be good, refrain from wrong and moral deviancy
In the Qur'an it is stated that:
“...Without a doubt in the remembrance of
Allah do hearts find contentment.” (Surah Ar Rad, Chapter 13, Verse 28)
Prayer Times
Prayers are set at certain times throughout the day:
Fajr: the dawn prayer,
just before sunrise
Zuhr: the midday prayer
Asr: the late-afternoon
prayer
Maghrib: the prayer just
after sunset
Esha: the prayer at
nightfall
The prayer consists of reading selected verses from
the Qur’an, that are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but
personal supplication (dua) can be offered in one’s own language.
Personal note:
For many in Britain trying to incorporate the five
daily prayers in a normal working day is a jihad (struggle). It is not always
easy to find a place to pray or a five minute break. Some also feel they will
be discriminated against if they openly express their faith which is
understandable in light of recent events. It is such a shame that a few
individuals can cause repercussions for so many in such different ways. Britain
has always been known for its ability and willingness to welcome and embrace
people of different faiths and culture and to accommodate their needs. It will
be a sad day when any group in British society feels marginalised due to the
misguided actions of a few.
Adhan (The Call to
Prayer)
Before the five required daily prayers, a person known
as the muezzin calls the worshipers to prayer from the minaret – the highest
part of the mosque. This call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day in Muslim
countries; you will have experienced the unforgettable early morning call if
you have visited countries with a Muslim majority such as Malaysia, Turkey or
Egypt.
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A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great. God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God. I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)! Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except Allah.
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Wudu (Ablution)
This is the Islamic act of washing certain parts of
the body using water. Muslims are required to perform wudu in preparation for
the daily prayers. Most mosques have washing facilities.
It is not only a physical act that cleanses the body
but it is the very beginning stage of purifying one's soul to commune with the
Almighty.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said
'cleanliness is half of faith'.
Performance of Prayer
The physical act of worship follows a set pattern
along with specific supplications and verses from the Qur'an which are read in
each position.
The salah must be performed with sincere devotion,
otherwise it could be considered invalid. It is performed facing the direction
of the Ka’bah in Makkah.
The Ka'bah is the place of worship which God commanded
Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his son Ishmael, to build over 4000 years ago. The
structure itself has been re-built several times but it is the importance
placed on the site, rather than the Ka'bah itself, which renders it as the
holiest site for Muslims.
Don’t forget, there are over 1 billion Muslims all
over the world, who will all be reciting the same prayer which has remained unchanged
for 1400 years, in the same direction all through the day – can you imagine how
incredible that is!
Praying in a Mosque
A mosque is any place specifically dedicated to the
worship of God. The english word mosque is derived from its arabic equivalent,
masjid, which means place of prostration.
The mosque provides a place to pray in congregation
which is preferable although not obligatory (except for Friday Prayer). To be
praying in unison, as one body, reminds us that we are all equal in the eyes of
God and here to serve one purpose alone – that is to worship Him. It is only
our actions that will be used to differentiate between us in the Hereafter; not
our social standing or worldly belongings.
Although the main function of the mosque is as a place
of prayer, it can also act as a local community centre where educational and
charity events, youth activities, Qur’anic lessons and interfaith dialogues
often take place.
Individuals who cannot pray at a mosque may pray
individually or together with family/friends or colleagues at home or at work.
The only requirement is that the surface on which one prays must be clean.
Jummah (Friday prayer)
Friday is observed as the day on which the major
congregational sermon and prayer take place. It is the only prayer which is an
obligation for men (and is recommended for women) to perform in congregation.
It was originally used as a time for interaction and
consultation between the representatives of the Muslim state and the citizens.
Now it is led by the Imam of the mosque – that is a person who is learned and
knowledgeable about Islam.
The Khutbah (Sermon)
- Is used to talk about issues affecting the local community and
recite sections of the Qur’an and the Hadith.
- It can be in any language. Most of the Imam’s in Britain are
multilingual and they will often interchange between arabic, english and
another language which usually reflects the type of people in the
congregation.
- After the Khutbah the Imam then leads everyone in
prayer – this is offered in place of the Zuhr (midday) prayer.
Architecture of mosques
In Britain, mosques vary in size from tiny storefronts
serving a handful of worshippers, to large Islamic centres that can accommodate
thousands.
The basic requirement is that it is a clean area.
There doesn’t even need to be a building, four stones defining the area would
be enough.
Generally mosques are a place of elaborate
decoration and architectural beauty. Instead of images, mosques will have
intricate Arabic calligraphy, arabesque and verses from the Qur'an to assist
worshippers in focusing on the beauty of Islam and the Qur'an, as well as for
decoration. As in a saying of the Prophet (pbuh), “ Indeed, Allah is
Beautiful, and He loves beauty”.
A
mosque may have:
A prayer hall. This
contains no images of people, animals or spiritual figures as Muslims in prayer
are supposed to be focusing on Allah alone. This is also the reason why men and
women have separate prayer areas – we are only human and it is best to avoid
the possible distraction the opposite sex may cause!
A mihrab (niche). This
indicates the direction of the Ka'bah and is where the imam stands to lead the
congregation. It is often decorated with arabic calligraphy. Its curved shape
helps reflect the voice of the imam back towards the congregation when he is
leading them in prayer.
A
minbar (pulpit). This is used during the Friday prayer to deliver the
sermon from.
A minaret: This is a common feature in mosques. The minaret is a
tall, slender tower that is usually situated at one of the corners of the
mosque structure. The top of the minaret is always the highest point in mosques
that have one and is therefore used for the call to prayer.
A
dome: These are often placed directly above the main prayer hall and may
signify the vaults of heaven and the sky. Some mosques will have multiple domes
in addition to the main large dome that resides at the centre. The intricate
design and proportions of the domes enhances the acoustics of the building such
that in the large mosques of the Muslim world, such as those of Istanbul,
Egypt, there was not a need for any loudspeakers to reach the tens of thousands
of worshippers!
Most mosques will also have a library containing a
selection of works on Islamic philosophy, theology and law, as well as
collections of the traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) and copies of the Qur’an translated in several different
languages. Mosques in the Muslim world often had schools annexed to them, as
well as sleeping quarters for the students, hospitals, and other services that
formed part of the mosque complex.
Rules and Etiquette
- Cleanliness - This is an
essential part of the worshipper's experience. Even those who enter the
prayer hall of a mosque without the intention of praying, including
visitors, must be clean and remove their shoes although they are not
required to perform wudu.
- Dress - Islam requires
that its followers wear clothes that portray modesty. Men and women should
always dress conservatively, covering their arms and legs. Women may be
asked to cover their hair. Many mosques have scarves at hand for visitors
to borrow, but it is better to bring a head covering in case none are
available.
- Quiet - As mosques are
places of worship and meditation, loud talking within the prayer area is
avoided.
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Zakah (Charity)
The word zakah means both "purification"
and "growth." An important principle of Islam is that everything
belongs to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings as a trust.
Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for the poor and
needy. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages
new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah
individually. This involves the annual payment of 2.5% of their wealth to
specified categories in society, when ones annual wealth exceeds a minimum
level; this excludes items such as primary residence, car and professional
tools.
The giving of 2.5 % of ones wealth as zakah is a
financial obligation upon Muslims. It is the minimum required. Anyone wishing
to donate outside of this amount is encouraged to do so.
Sadaqah is the Arabic term for voluntary charity.
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an
act of charity."
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun
rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every
day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are
many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road,
listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his
need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking
for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms-all of
these are charity prescribed for you."
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Sawm (Fasting)
Every year in the month of Ramadhan Muslims all around
the world refrain from food and drink during daylight hours.
God states in the Qur'an:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may achieve God
consciousness." (Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 183)
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and
women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted not to fast but
are to make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy
and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty,
although many start earlier.
Ramadhan is used as a time of:
Reflection -
By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting
person gains true empathy with those who go hungry. This helps us recognise
everything good we have in this life and how blessed we are, making us closer
to our Creator.
Devotion –
It is a time used to re-focus one’s self on the worship of Allah and one’s
purpose in life. Muslims are encouraged to read the Qur'an and perform special
prayers, called Taraweh, which are held in the mosques every night of the
month. Over Ramadhan the whole of the Qur’an can be recited in these prayers.
Generosity -
Remembrance of those who are less fortunate makes Muslims more generous and
charitable during Ramadhan. As well as giving the obligatory Zakah people will
often help needy neighbours, orphans, the elderly and the sick. The Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) once said "A man's wealth is never diminished by
charity."
Unity – during the month of Ramadhan people make a special
effort to come together and break their fast. Sharing food with neighbours and
eating together is a unifying experience. Attending congregational
prayers also encourages interaction with fellow Muslims and neighbours.
Suhur
Just before dawn Muslims will wake up and have a meal before the start of the
fast, this is known as suhur. Yes, that’s right – we wake up in the middle of
our deep sleep for about 40-60 minutes and have either a healthy, high energy
meal like porridge or a small feast. Some people just have a glass of
water. The Prophet (pbuh) gave much merit to this meal. The meal is
then followed by the fajr prayer. Most of us will then try and catch a little
sleep before getting ready for school, university or work but some stay awake
and read the Qur’an or just get an early start to the day.
Iftar
At sunset the adhan (call to prayer) will be made and Muslims break their
fast. This is traditionally with 3 dates and water, although if you’re in
a rush a chocolate bar will do. Muslims break their fast with the prayer,
"O God, for You I fasted, and in You I believe, with Your provision I
broke your fast”. After eating, Muslims say 'Alhamdulillah’ (thanks be to
God).It is common practice to open the fast, or have Iftar, with family and
friends. These gatherings serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and
sisterhood and bring the community closer together. After opening the fast
Muslims will then pray Maghrib, the obligatory sunset prayer.
Taraweh
The final of the five daily prayers is said as night falls. A special lengthy
prayer called Taraweh is said only during the month of Ramadan, after the night
prayer. It is optional and characterized by long recitations of the Qur’an.
Lailat ul Qadr
Lailat ul Qadr (Night of Power) marks the anniversary of the night on which the
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) first began receiving revelations from God through the
angel Gabriel. An entire chapter in the Qur’an deals with this night:
"We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: and what
will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better
than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by God's
permission, on every errand. Peace! This until the rise of the
morning" (Surah Al Qadr, Chapter 97)
Muslims believe Lailat ul Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of
Ramadan. This is a very special night when Muslims spend a lot of time
praying and reciting Qur’an, hoping for much reward.
As you can see fasting is therefore not merely physical, but is rather the total
commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast and is seen
as a method of self-purification as well as self-restraint. We all hope that
the feelings and lessons we experience during this special month stay with us
throughout the year.
Muslims also fast at other times of the year to maintain the spiritual
closeness to God and re-focus their heart and minds.
Eid ul Fitr
The Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of
Ramadhan. Everyone puts on their best clothes and communal prayers are held in
the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.
Personal note:
Fasting in Britain is easier than fasting in areas where the climate is
extremely hot. This year at least the number of daylight hours will be less
than when Ramadhan occurs during the spring or summer. As the Islamic calendar
is based on a lunar calendar Ramadan begins about eleven days earlier each
year. We will therefore be enjoying long summer fasts in a couple of years; who
said Muslims weren’t worried about global warming! (On a serious note we are –
see environment section in ethical issues).
It is probably important to mention the difficulties one faces whilst working
during Ramadhan. Lunchtime meetings are a true test of one’s self restraint,
especially when the fresh cream cakes arrive! Some work places are very
understanding and allow short breaks when the fast is about to open and let
people to say their prayers in a corner of the office. It is really appreciated
when colleagues give special consideration to those fasting by accommodating
requests for flexible starting and finishing times at work or holiday requests.
I think I speak for most British Muslims when I say one of the most frequently
asked questions is whether or not we lose weight. The usual answer is
unfortunately no. Whilst some do, the majority find that the large iftars with
family and friends lead to an abundance of a variety of sweets which are too
good to resist
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The pilgrimage to Makkah is an obligation only for
those who are physically and financially able to do so. Over two million people
go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe, providing a unique
opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
It really is an incredible sight; people of every
colour and creed prostrate to Allah as one body, asking for His forgiveness and
praising Him. Each person present knows that millions of their Muslim
counterparts are also prostrating towards the Ka’bah, five times, a day
everyday; here you only need to look up to see it! It’s an exhilarating,
humbling and emotional experience.
The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the
Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadhan fall in
different seasons).
Upon arrival in Makkah, the pilgrim performs a series
of ritual acts over the next few days which are symbolic of the lives of the
Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajar) and their son Ishmael
(Ismail), peace be upon them. The close of Hajj is celebrated with a holiday
known as the Eid ul Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice. This festival celebrates
Prophet Abrahams (pbuh) willingness to sacrifice his son, as God had commanded,
as a sign of his devotion. Once Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had demonstrated his
devotion, God stopped him from sacrificing his son and told him to sacrifice a
sheep instead. Muslims everywhere arrange for a sheep to be slaughtered (except
those brave enough to do it themselves). The meat is then distributed to the
poor and the celebrations begin!
Pilgrims can also go to Makkah to perform some of the
rituals at other times of the year. This is called the Umrah (lesser
pilgrimage). However, even if they perform the Umrah, they are still obligated
to perform the Hajj at some other point in their lifetime.
Preparation
During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress
only in a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth. Women are
simply required to maintain their hijab and normal modest dress, which does not
cover the hands or face. These simple garments, known as the Ihram clothing,
strip away distinctions of class and culture, symbolising the fact that all
stand equal before Allah whether prince or pauper. They also symbolise leaving
away worldly possessions and concerns and remembering human fragility and their
return to God. Pilgrims generally travel to Hajj in groups.
While the pilgrim is wearing the Ihram, they cannot
shave, cut their nails, or wear perfume. They may not swear or quarrel, kill
any living thing (even an insect) or engage in sexual intercourse.
Rites
Day 1
Tawaf
This consists of walking counter-clockwise around the
Ka’bah seven times. The Ka’bah is the holiest place for Muslims and it is the
direction in which all Muslims turn towards when praying, no matter where in
the world they are. It is believed to be have been first built by Prophet Adam
as a place to worship Allah and then re-built by Prophet Abraham and his son
Ismail peace be upon them.
Sa'y
The next step of the pilgrimage involves running or
walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
This is a re-enactment of Hajar's frantic search for
water when she was left in the valley of Makkah, a dry and inhabited place,
with her son Ismail by Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon them. He was commanded to
do so by God and he left them there with a heavy heart and with some supplies
of food and water. The supplies did not last very long and soon ran out leaving
Hajar and Ismail hungry and dehydrated.
In her desperation Hajar ran up and down two hills
called Safa and Marwa – looking for help. Finally she collapsed beside Ismail
and prayed to Allah.
Ismail struck his foot on the ground and this caused a
spring of water to gush forth from the earth. Hajar and Ismail were saved! Now
they had a secure water supply in the middle of this arid land which they were
then able to trade with passing nomads.
The well is still flowing with the same Zamzam water
and pilgrims will drink from it after completing taqaf. It is this very water
that turned the desolate area into a thriving city where millions now go on
pilgrimage. Pilgrims now make their way to Mina, where they perform some
prayers.
Day 2
Arafat
On the second day pilgrims make their way from Mina to
Mount Arafat. No specific rituals or prayers are said here (apart from the
usual midday and afternoon prayer); the pilgrims just stand together on the
wide plains of Arafat in the dry heat, praying and contemplating until sunset.
This day is considered the greatest day of the Hajj, and pilgrims pray
earnestly for acceptance of their Hajj, forgiveness of their past sins and
God’s mercy and guidance. Other Muslims around the world who are not taking
part in Hajj commemorate this day through fasting and supplication.
Muzdalifah
As soon as the sun sets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for
Muzdalifah, a valley between Arafat and Mina, where pebbles are gathered for
the next day's ritual, Ramy al-Jamarat, in a place called Mina. Pilgrims pray
the sunset and night prayers here and spend the night sleeping on the ground,
in the open.
Day 3
Ramy al Jamarat
Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform Ramy al Jamarat or
casting of the stones.
Throwing small pebbles at stone pillars symbolises
Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) rejection of Satan’s whispers and temptations when he
tried to dissuade him from sacrificing his son as God had commanded, and marks
the pilgrims’ own determination to obey God’s commands and resist temptation.
Eid ul Adha
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, Eid al
Adha, with the traditional sacrifice of a sheep (the meat being distributed to
the poor) and prayers said. Pilgrims are then free to leave their state of
ihram, cut or shave their hair and change back into normal clothes. They
perform Tawaf around the Kabah and Sa'y again on this day. They then
spend 2 to 3 days back at Mina, where they spend the days in meditation and
supplication, performing the casting of the stones ritual on each day. Finally
the pilgrims perform a final “farewell tawaf” earnestly praying that God has
accepted their Hajj, for the reward of an accepted pilgrimage is to return free
of all past wrongdoing, and Paradise in the Hereafter.