The pillars of the Islamic religion are crucial for its general practice and shared ideas. To be more exact, they constitute the basic norms of religious custom and are widely accepted by Muslim people. In addition, fulfilling the five pillars is compulsory for those who consider themselves the followers of the Prophet Muhammad. Still, not necessarily every Muslim is forced to follow the idea by accepting the pillars of Islam.
Understandably, some people seem more committed to the concept than others, and as a result, opinions and thoughts regarding this declaration considerably vary among believers. In addition, the five pillars of Islam are acknowledged as a declaration of an individual to fulfill a particular responsibility. In other words, such support for the Prophet Muhammad includes faith, prayer, alms-giving, fasting, and pilgrimage. By and whole, they together form a core belief for the Islamic practice, and every religious Muslim person is obliged to follow them, no matter what circumstances might occur.
The first and foremost pillar is a profession of faith, or as it is called by Muslims, shahada. It includes the idea that there is no god; however, Muhammad and God are widely recognized as his loyal messengers. Another critical point is that this phrase in Arabic possesses a significant meaning for believers, and these words are usually carved in traditional architecture. Overall, the declaration of faith is fulfilled by a Muslim when one recites the central idea with conviction and complete trust.
The second step of support for Muhammad includes a compulsory prayer of every believer five times every day. To be more particular, Muslims should pray at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and when it is dark outside. It is known that this ritual is performed on a small rug for putting one’s knees on it and consists of reciting the first chapter of the Qur’an. In addition, it is significant to mention that Muslims can either pray alone or with a leader at the mosque. Still, this ritual has specific restrictions for believers of different genders; hence, women are not forced to participate, but still, they are welcome to do so.
The next pillar in Arabic is called zakat, which means alms, and usually is highly crucial for a follower. Therefore, every Muslim tends to donate a small part of their income to those in need, while wealthier residents opt for building fountains, mosques, schoolhouses, and other crucial institutions.
As for fasting, it is recognized as a part of Ramadan and is usually followed by omitting any food or liquid intake during daylight hours. Significant to note that this rule is compulsory for adult people, and children are not forced to participate in the tradition of Ramadan. To sum up, when believers deprive themselves of food, they renew their gratitude for God and recognize the need to help those less fortunate. Lastly, the fifth pillar of Islam, pilgrimage, is widely fulfilled by healthy and wealthy Muslims who can afford to visit Mecca and pray in the house initially built for God. Religious people come together to the holy city every eighth and twelfth day of the Islamic calendar’s final months.
Overall, the five pillars of Islam are highly crucial for every believing person as they present the core belief and idea of the religion. In addition, it is vital to note that not every Muslim follows every declaration for the Prophet Muhammad as some do not commit to fulfilling such responsibilities. As a result, by declaring faith for the Prophet, people are obliged to pray, help less fortunate people, deprive themselves of food and water, and visit the house for God in Mecca to pray.