The Five Pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the framework of Muslim’s life. They are the testimony of faith, prayer, giving zakat (support of the needy), fasting during the month of Ramadlan, and the pilgrimage to Makkah one in a lifetime for those who are able.

1. The Testimony of Faith

The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, ” La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rosuulu Allah.” This saying means that ” There is no true god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of Allah.”

2. Prayer

Muslims perform five prayers a day. Prayer in Islam is a direct link beetwen the worshipper and Allah. There are no intermediaries between Allah and the worshipper.

3. Giving Zakat (Support of the Needy)

The original meaning of the word zakat is both purification and growth. Giving zakat means giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.

4. Fasting the Month of Ramadlan

Every year in the month of Ramadlan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is lunar), Muslims fast from down until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relatons.

5. The Pilgrimage to Makkah

The pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it.

Read More

Basic Islamic Beliefs

1. Belief in God

Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to hebe worshipped but Him alone.

2. Belief in the Angels

Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command.

3. Belief in God’s Revealed Books

Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof and as guidance for mankind. Among these books is the Qur’an, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

4. Belief in the Prophets and Messenger of God

Muslims believe in the prophets and messenger of God, starting Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses (peace upon them). Muslim belief that Muhammad (SAW) is the last prophet sent by God.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

Muslims believe in the day of judgment (the day of resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.

6. Belief in Al-Qadar (Divine Predestination)

Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is divine predestination, but this belief in divine predestination does not ment that human beings do not have freewill. Human beings can choose right or wrong and they are responsible for their choices.

Read More