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The '''Five Pillars of Islam''' (أركان الإسلام) is the term given to the five duties which are compulsory ([[Fard]]) for every Muslim. This concept is not found in the [[Qur'an]], but within the [[Sirat Rasul Allah|sira]] and [[hadith]], without which four out of five of these [[Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible#Five Pillars of Islam|pillars would not exist]].  
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The '''Five Pillars of Islam''' (أركان الإسلام الخمسة, ''arkaan ul-islaam al-khamsa'') is the term given to the five duties which are compulsory ([[Fard]]) for every Muslim. It is a set of beliefs specific to the [[Sunni]]s who belong to the mainstream, orthodox version of the religion.<ref>[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+af0060) "Sunni and Shia Islam"], Library of Congress Country Studies, accessed September 4, 2011.</ref> This concept is not found in the [[Qur'an]], but within the [[Sirat Rasul Allah|sirah]] and [[hadith]], outside of which the specific formulation of the five pillars [[Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible#Five Pillars of Islam|is absent]].  


==Shahadah==
==Shahadah==


The [[Shahadah]], which means "testimony", is the name of the Islamic profession of faith. It is the most important of all Five Pillars, and its recitation in Arabic is required for a person to become a Muslim.<ref>[http://www.themodernreligion.com/convert/islam_conversion_main.htm Embracing Islam] - The Modern Religion</ref> It reads, "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Shi'ite Muslims may add "and Ali is the friend of Allah," but this is not obligatory.<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/Middle-East-Encyclopedia/shahada.htm Shahada] - Encyclopedia of the Middle East</ref>
The [[Shahadah]], which means "testimony", is the name of the [[Islam|Islamic]] profession of faith. It is the most important of all Five Pillars, and its recitation in [[Arabic]] is required for a person to become a Muslim.<ref>[http://www.themodernreligion.com/convert/islam_conversion_main.htm Embracing Islam] - The Modern Religion</ref> It reads, "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Shi'ite Muslims add "and Ali is the friend of Allah," but do not consider the additon obligatory.<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/Middle-East-Encyclopedia/shahada.htm Shahada] - Encyclopedia of the Middle East.</ref>


==Salah==
==Salah==


*''[[Salah]]'' ([[prayers]])
[[Salah]] is the practice of formal [[prayers|prayer]] in Islam. It is a ritual prayer, having prescribed conditions, procedures, and times. It consists of five daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha'a (night). Muslims must wash before prayer; this washing is called [[Ablution|wudu]] ("purification").
 
The earliest Muslims, however, did not practice this ritual prayer. Muhammad started his religion in 610 and prayer became obligatory after Isra and Mi'raj<ref>https://islamqa.info/en/answers/145725/when-was-prayer-made-obligatory-how-did-the-muslims-pray-before-prayer-was-made-obligatory</ref> around the year 621.


==Sawm==
==Sawm==


*''[[Sawm]]'' ([[fasting]]) during the month of Ramadan
[[Sawm]] is the term which refers to Islamic [[fasting]]. The observance of sawm during the Islamic month of Ramadan is compulsory.<ref>Farah (1994), p.144-145</ref> Adherents usually wake up before dawn and eat and drink to prepare for the fast. During the fast, they refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in [[Sex|sexual intercourse]] from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib).
 
The earliest Muslims, however, did not practice this ritual fast until two years after the Hijra, around the year 624:
{{Quote|[https://islamqa.info/en/answers/37649/when-was-fasting-enjoined islamqa.info: When was fasting enjoined?]|
Fasting the month of Ramadaan was enjoined in 2 AH
}}


==Zakat==
==Zakat==


*''[[Zakat]]'' (giving of alms to other Muslims)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=984|title= The way of giving Zakat al-Fitr in non-Islamic Lands|publisher= IslamicAwakening|author= Haytham bin Jawwad al-Haddad|series= Article ID: 984|date= November 20, 2002|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=984&date=2011-05-09|deadurl=no}}</ref>
[[Zakat]] is an obligatory tax <ref name="EBZT">{{cite web|url= http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/655448/zakat|title= zakat (Islamic tax)|publisher= Encyclopedia Britannica|author= |date= accessed November 16, 2013|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2FEBchecked%2Ftopic%2F655448%2Fzakat&date=2013-11-15|deadurl=no}}</ref> required of Muslims, amounting to about 2.5% of one's wealth over the course of a year. Under the [[Caliph|caliphates]], the collection and expenditure of zakat was a function of the state (this still remains the case in countries such as Saudi Arabia).<ref name="EBZT"></ref> [[Slavery|Slaves]] and horses owned by Muslims are exempt from this taxation,<ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "There is no Zakat either on a horse or a slave belonging to a Muslim"''" - {{Bukhari|2|24|542}}</ref><ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira :- The Prophet said,"There is no Zakat either on a slave or on a horse belonging to a Muslim.''" - {{Bukhari|2|24|543}}</ref> and it is generally agreed that [[non-Muslims]] are not to benefit from the alms giving.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=984|title= The way of giving Zakat al-Fitr in non-Islamic Lands|publisher= IslamicAwakening|author= Haytham bin Jawwad al-Haddad|series= Article ID: 984|date= November 20, 2002|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=984&date=2011-05-09|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
Zakat, like Sawm and Salah was not practiced by the earliest Muslims, and was only enjoined second year after hijra, around the year 624.<ref>https://www.islamweb.net/ar/fatwa/20247/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%AA-%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A9</ref>


==Hajj==
==Hajj==


*''[[Hajj]]'' (pilgrimage to Mecca)
The [[Hajj]] is a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca which every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make at least once in their life.<ref name="Farah">Farah (1994), p.145-147</ref> The pilgrimage takes place on the 12<sup>th</sup> month of the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah). The main rituals include walking seven times around the [[Kaaba|Ka'aba]], touching the [[Black Stone]], traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina.<ref>Hoiberg (2000), p.237–238</ref>
 
It is not clear when hajj was enjoined, but it was after the hijra according to most scholars.<ref>https://mawdoo3.com/%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%A3%D9%8A_%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9_%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B6_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AC</ref>


==Jihad==
==Jihad and other pillars==


[[Jihad]] is sometimes referred to as the ''sixth pillar of Islam'', as it is also a [[Jihad is Compulsory (Fard)|compulsory duty]], and Prophet [[Muhammad]] referred to it as "better than standing in prayer for sixty years"<ref>''"Standing for an hour in the ranks of battle is better than standing in prayer for sixty years."'' - Saheeh related by Ibn Ade and Ibn Asakir from Abu Hurayrah 4/6165. Sahih al Jaami as Sagheer no. 4305</ref> and second in importance only to the belief in Allah and himself.<ref>''"Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause.""'' - {{Bukhari|1|2|26}}</ref> According to some [[Shi'ite]] sects it is the seventh not sixth pillar.<ref>[http://www.fact-index.com/s/si/sixth_pillar_of_islam.html Sixth pillar of Islam] - The Fact-Index, accessed October 2, 2010</ref>  
[[Jihad]] is sometimes referred to as the ''sixth pillar of Islam'',<ref>Iman al-Khashab, [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.moheet.com/show_files.aspx?fid=354098|2=2011-02-04}} "Why It Is Considered Our Sixth Pillar of Islam – Jihad Is Ordained to Establish the Word of Allah"], Moheet (Arabic), March 13, 2010 ([[Moheet: "The Purpose of Jihad Is to Establish the Word of Allah"|English translation]]).</ref> as it is also a [[Jihad as Obligation (Fard)|compulsory duty]], and Prophet [[Muhammad]] referred to it as "better than standing in prayer for sixty years"<ref>''"Standing for an hour in the ranks of battle is better than standing in prayer for sixty years."'' - Saheeh related by Ibn Ade and Ibn Asakir from Abu Hurayrah 4/6165. Sahih al Jaami as Sagheer no. 4305</ref> and second in importance only to the belief in Allah and himself.<ref>''"Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause.""'' - {{Bukhari|1|2|26}}</ref> According to some [[Shiite|Shi'ite]] sects it is the seventh not sixth pillar (the first and second being ''Walayah'' with Allah, or having a personal relationship with God, and ''taharah'', or purity).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fact-index.com/s/si/sixth_pillar_of_islam.html|title= Sixth pillar of Islam|publisher= The Fact-Index|author= |date= accessed November 17, 2013|archiveurl= http://archive.is/5LHgp|deadurl=no}}</ref>


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible#Five Pillars of Islam|Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible]]  
 
*[[Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible#Five Pillars of Islam|Qur'an Only Islam - Why it is Not Possible]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
[[Category:Shariah (Islamic Law)]]
[[Category:Stubs]]
[[Category:Ritual]]
[[Category:Terms and Definitions]]

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The Five Pillars of Islam (أركان الإسلام الخمسة, arkaan ul-islaam al-khamsa) is the term given to the five duties which are compulsory (Fard) for every Muslim. It is a set of beliefs specific to the Sunnis who belong to the mainstream, orthodox version of the religion.[1] This concept is not found in the Qur'an, but within the sirah and hadith, outside of which the specific formulation of the five pillars is absent.

Shahadah

The Shahadah, which means "testimony", is the name of the Islamic profession of faith. It is the most important of all Five Pillars, and its recitation in Arabic is required for a person to become a Muslim.[2] It reads, "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Shi'ite Muslims add "and Ali is the friend of Allah," but do not consider the additon obligatory.[3]

Salah

Salah is the practice of formal prayer in Islam. It is a ritual prayer, having prescribed conditions, procedures, and times. It consists of five daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha'a (night). Muslims must wash before prayer; this washing is called wudu ("purification").

The earliest Muslims, however, did not practice this ritual prayer. Muhammad started his religion in 610 and prayer became obligatory after Isra and Mi'raj[4] around the year 621.

Sawm

Sawm is the term which refers to Islamic fasting. The observance of sawm during the Islamic month of Ramadan is compulsory.[5] Adherents usually wake up before dawn and eat and drink to prepare for the fast. During the fast, they refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual intercourse from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib).

The earliest Muslims, however, did not practice this ritual fast until two years after the Hijra, around the year 624:

Fasting the month of Ramadaan was enjoined in 2 AH


islamqa.info: When was fasting enjoined?

Zakat

Zakat is an obligatory tax [6] required of Muslims, amounting to about 2.5% of one's wealth over the course of a year. Under the caliphates, the collection and expenditure of zakat was a function of the state (this still remains the case in countries such as Saudi Arabia).[6] Slaves and horses owned by Muslims are exempt from this taxation,[7][8] and it is generally agreed that non-Muslims are not to benefit from the alms giving.[9]

Zakat, like Sawm and Salah was not practiced by the earliest Muslims, and was only enjoined second year after hijra, around the year 624.[10]

Hajj

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca which every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make at least once in their life.[11] The pilgrimage takes place on the 12th month of the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah). The main rituals include walking seven times around the Ka'aba, touching the Black Stone, traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina.[12]

It is not clear when hajj was enjoined, but it was after the hijra according to most scholars.[13]

Jihad and other pillars

Jihad is sometimes referred to as the sixth pillar of Islam,[14] as it is also a compulsory duty, and Prophet Muhammad referred to it as "better than standing in prayer for sixty years"[15] and second in importance only to the belief in Allah and himself.[16] According to some Shi'ite sects it is the seventh not sixth pillar (the first and second being Walayah with Allah, or having a personal relationship with God, and taharah, or purity).[17]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Sunni and Shia Islam", Library of Congress Country Studies, accessed September 4, 2011.
  2. ↑ Embracing Islam - The Modern Religion
  3. ↑ Shahada - Encyclopedia of the Middle East.
  4. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/answers/145725/when-was-prayer-made-obligatory-how-did-the-muslims-pray-before-prayer-was-made-obligatory
  5. ↑ Farah (1994), p.144-145
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "zakat (Islamic tax)", Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed November 16, 2013 (archived), http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/655448/zakat. 
  7. ↑ "Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "There is no Zakat either on a horse or a slave belonging to a Muslim"" - Sahih Bukhari 2:24:542
  8. ↑ "Narrated Abu Huraira :- The Prophet said,"There is no Zakat either on a slave or on a horse belonging to a Muslim." - Sahih Bukhari 2:24:543
  9. ↑ Haytham bin Jawwad al-Haddad, "The way of giving Zakat al-Fitr in non-Islamic Lands", IslamicAwakening, Article ID: 984, November 20, 2002 (archived), http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=984. 
  10. ↑ https://www.islamweb.net/ar/fatwa/20247/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%AA-%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A9
  11. ↑ Farah (1994), p.145-147
  12. ↑ Hoiberg (2000), p.237–238
  13. ↑ https://mawdoo3.com/%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%A3%D9%8A_%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9_%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B6_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AC
  14. ↑ Iman al-Khashab, "Why It Is Considered Our Sixth Pillar of Islam – Jihad Is Ordained to Establish the Word of Allah", Moheet (Arabic), March 13, 2010 (English translation).
  15. ↑ "Standing for an hour in the ranks of battle is better than standing in prayer for sixty years." - Saheeh related by Ibn Ade and Ibn Asakir from Abu Hurayrah 4/6165. Sahih al Jaami as Sagheer no. 4305
  16. ↑ "Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause."" - Sahih Bukhari 1:2:26
  17. ↑ "Sixth pillar of Islam", The Fact-Index, accessed November 17, 2013 (archived), http://www.fact-index.com/s/si/sixth_pillar_of_islam.html. 
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