After entering Islam by verbal acceptance, including the Shahadah of Oneness of Allah and witnessing the last prophethood of the Holy Prophet, now, the understanding of the five pillars of Islam begins with the practical exhibition of Islamic practices.
Hence, the five pillars of Islam act as a core practice to shape the faith of Muslims. The first pillar of Islam is the verbal declaration of faith (Shahadah), which allows any disbeliever to enter the sacred circle of the Muslim Ummah. But a mere verbal proclamation is not enough.
Practically performing all worship and exhibiting Islam in daily life, fostering faith every day, and social responsibility are essential. Other pillars of Islam include prayer (Salah), charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
Shahdah Verbal Declaration of Faith
Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam that symbolizes acceptance of the religion of Allah by verbally accepting his mastership and ownership.
This pillar is divided into two claims. Muslim pilgrims claim that there is no God but Allah and that the Prophet Muhammad is the last and beloved Prophet of Allah. This verbal claim allows them to enter the religion of Islam.
- Faith on Oneness of Allah: It is the first part of the Shahadah in which Muslims accept the oneness of Allah. And they surrender their will in front of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is their creator, and he is responsible for their good and bad.
- Faith in witnessing Holy Prophet as last Prophet of Allah: Muslim pilgrims witness in the second part that the Holy Prophet is the last prophet of Allah. Muslims truly hold a huge love for their beloved prophet. Because he brought them the light of Islam, which helped them to find salvation.
Salah offering Prayer five times a day
Practical exhibition of submission is in front of Allah, offering Prayer according to the way that the Holy Prophet has taught Muslims. It is obligatory worship in Islam. Allah says that after death, the first question will be asked of man about the practice of Prayer.
Following Sunnat of Holy Prophet for offering Salah
The Holy Prophet has offered Prayer and teaches all Muslims to perform in the same manner. Muslims follow the footsteps of their last prophet because he preached this religion to all Muslims around the world.
And he was sent from Allah to spread the message of Allah to all humankind so they all can get salvation and the blessing of Allah in the form of Paradise.
Asking Dua after completion of Prayer
Muslims ask Dua after completion of prayer, and it is a blessing of Prayer that all Dua and supplications of Muslims are responded to by Allah.
Recitation of different Ayat in Prayer
Muslims recite different Ayat of the Holy Quran in Prayers that include Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, and praising words for Allah. Allah is most capable of all these blessings.
Recitation of Ayatul Kursi after Prayer
Muslims recite Ayatul Kursi after their prayer while asking Dua. Muslims believe that their supplications will be responded to by Allah if they say praise to him before asking. Ayatul Kursi is renowned as the verse of the Throne, and according to its context, Allah is independent of all features that exist in man.
Ayatul Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, which is also renowned as ‘Verse of the Throne’. The significance of Ayatul Kursi is majorly for the description of the attributes of Allah. It lays stress on Oneness and the individualistic approach of Allah to all happenings in the universe.
Zakat Alms giving to needy people
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. Zakat is Alms giving to needy people for the purification of wealth. The amount of zakat from your wealth is generally 2.5%.
This amount is distributed among the poor, needy, and low-income people. They cannot meet their physical needs, Allah commanded them to share their wealth among the poor, so they can also fulfill the necessities of their life.
Sawm fasting in Sacred Month of Islam
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim. Muslims should refrain from eating and drinking during specific hours of fasting that last from Fajr prayer to Maghreb Prayer. This month is considered highly spiritual and dedicated.
All Muslims show their willingness to offer maximum prayers and supplications during this spiritual month.
Hajj A journey to house of Allah
- Entering Ihram for purification: Wearing white two-piece clothes before the preparation of Hajj represents physical cleansing and spiritual purification.
- Offering Tawaf around Kaaba: Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba to offer Tawaf seven times in an anticlockwise direction starting from the black stone.
- Walking between two mountains: Walking and running between two mountains in remembrance of Hazrat Hajra is a component of the pilgrimage.
- Standing at Arafat: It is known as Waquf e Arafat, which is a pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims gather at the ground of Arafat and offer prayers and supplications.
- Muzdalifah: It is a valley located between Mina and Arafat, and Muslim pilgrims stop at this point during the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam. Pilgrims can spend the whole night under the sky, and mostly they collect pebbles to throw the next day at evil.
- Rami representing the devil: Rami is an act of throwing stones at the Devil. There are three pillars called Jamarat in Mina representing the presence of the Devil. This act represents the true faith of Hazrat Ibrahim and his rejection of Satan’s temptations, interrupting him from following the commandment of Allah.
- Sacrifice of Animal: Allah tested His Prophet Ibrahim for his obedience and patience. Allah commands his prophet to sacrifice his son. He set out to obey the command of Allah. But on the spot of sacrifice, an animal was sent by the will of Allah for sacrifice, and that’s how he passed the test of obedience and patience. Since that incident, this act of sacrificing animals for the will of Allah has become a pillar of Hajj.
- Halq Shaving of Hair: Shaving and cutting off the hair after completion of the Hajj is a representation of the renewal of Faith of Muslim pilgrims.
