The 5 Pillars of Islam: Foundations of a Faith - Free Paper Sample

After Arab armies conquered lands, they began building palaces and mosques and commissioned artworks that express their faith and way of life. During this time, various aspects of Islam also emerged and were codified. Muslim practices were as a result based on five pillars or the “arkan” (Mirza, 2016). The five pillars of Islam are the guide to an established faith. Over the years, Muslims have practiced and adhered to the five pillars of Islam. This has enabled members of the faith to grow spiritually and in numbers. Most importantly, Muslims have learned to care for one another. Currently, the number of Muslims in the world is an estimated 1.8 billion people (Mirza, 2016). This makes up 24% of the world’s population (Mirza, 2016). Hence, Islam continues to play an increasing role in the modern-day religion. But what does Islam mean to the individual Muslim? It is essential to know this to gain an understanding of one’s belief in his or her faith. Hence, in this paper, the author seeks to discuss his equivalents to the five pillars of Islam.

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The first pillar of Islam is the confession of faith. This pillar is similar to the first commandment in Christianity. The first commandment in the Christian faith states that there is but one true God. In Islam, the phrase is almost the same. Except in Islam, there is the addition of the Prophet Muhammad, God’s Messenger. According to this pillar, a Muslim is supposed to profess that he or she believes in the one true God and that Muhammad is his messenger (Mirza, 2016). As a Muslim, should, consequently, not bow or pray to any other god but the one true God. These words have existed since the time of Muhammad. They are written in Arabic in the Qur’an. The words also feature prominently on famous architectural buildings and rare objects. According to Islamic law, one becomes a member of the faith once he or she recites the “shahada” with conviction (Mirza, 2016). Based on this pillar, the principle that guides me is belief. For one to be a true Muslim, one has to believe in the existence of the one true God. If you do not believe this, then you are not a true Muslim. Over the years, how man worships other gods has become clearer. For instance, if you place too much value on money, it becomes an idol. Your willingness to worship that idol means that you do not revere God. Also, various challenges in life have led me to wonder at times if God truly exists. However, by maintaining my trust in him, I have been able to see that he does exist. For instance, when I see people around the world suffering from poverty, I pray to God asking for his intervention. Even though this does not always seem to work, I get to see and experience the result of God’s work in other ways. These experiences reinforce my belief in him. There are many people, especially the youth who are losing their way due to lack of belief. Many of them end up abusing drugs and becoming criminals. Others join militant groups that are not recognized by world governments or God himself. Over the years, these groups have caused great pain and havoc. As a true believer in the one true God, I urge all Muslims, especially the young, to remain true to their faith because God will always be there for us.

The second pillar is prayer. Although prayer is also common with other faiths, it is unique in the case of Muslims. The pillar of prayer also referred to as “Salat” states that Muslims should pray five times a day facing Mecca (Mirza, 2016). During each of these prayers, one should recite the first chapter of the Qur’an. This condition exists to help remind all Muslims of their faith and who they are praying to. There is but one true God. Therefore, you should not bow before any other God. Also, prayer should always be conducted on a special mat. The laws of prayer suggest that one can pray at any location. However, when close to a mosque, it is advisable to pray together with others. In a mosque, a leader or Imam guides the prayer session. Men should always gather for the afternoon prayer every Friday. Women can also participate but are not obliged to. After these prayers, a sermon is conducted with a passage drawn from the holy book. Added prayers then follow and a discussion on a certain religious topic (Mirza, 2016). My daily spiritual practice involves prayer at every stated time of the day. During my time of prayer, I always ensure that I am with a friend or colleague. Praying with others helps to remind me that I am but one in many of God’s children. It also helps me remain aware of the need to show love to others. As required, every afternoon, I go to the mosque to pray with others. On Friday afternoons, I join others for prayer and sermons from the Imam. Over the years, my strict adherence to this schedule has enabled me to be close to my faith. It is easy for one to deviate from their daily routine. However, during my prayers, I have always given thanks to God for always giving me the strength and the will to remain true to my faith. I have also always requested for guidance in my daily practice. In addition to this, I have always prayed for God’s love and protection over my family, friends, and all peoples of the earth. In the current status of the world, prayer is more important than anything. I am constantly praying that God intervenes and helps us combat this pandemic that we are currently facing. It is only through him that we can persevere.

The third pillar is charity. This pillar also referred to as “Zakat,” requires one to donate a certain share of their normal income to others who are in need (Mirza, 2016). This pillar is particularly vital in Islam because it helps one become humble in the eyes of God. It reminds one that we are simple beings created by God. Giving to those in need is an important lesson on how to live well with others. In this world, everyone is subject to nature. One day, one might be the wealthiest person on earth. On another day, one could be the poorest person. Hence, although today you might not need the help of others. Tomorrow, their help could be the only thing that keeps you alive. Thus, it is very important to practice the spirit of giving. Even among those in middle income and lower-income groups, giving should be custom. In the modern world, there are many leaders and wealthy individuals of Muslim faith who donate to and build religious institutions. Also, these persons help to build social institutions such as schools, hospitals, and sports centers. Just like in other faiths, Muslims donate to those in need to gain the blessings that are associated with giving back to the community (Mirza, 2016). As a young Muslim, I have often practiced Zakat on a daily and occasional basis. On a daily basis, I ensure that if I pass by a person in need, I help them in any way I can. I do this by giving such individuals some money or by buying them food. In my heart, the act of giving charity provides me with the fulfillment I may not get at work, at school, or home. As noted earlier, it also helps one remember that he or she should remain humble in the eyes of God. On occasion, I join together with my friends to donate food and clothes, which we then take to orphanages and other children’s homes. This act of giving back has enabled me to work on a program that ensures a steady stream of charitable events in various towns within my country. Through these events, we have been able to reach many more people who are in need. In the future, I look forward to driving this initiative to other countries and continents.

The fourth pillar is fasting. According to Islamic law, during Ramadan, all Muslims should abstain from eating or drinking anything during the day. However, here, these include only healthy and adult Muslims (Mirza, 2016). Through fasting, Muslims deprive themselves of their most basic need. This, in turn, reminds them of how lucky they are to have everything that they have and from whom it comes from. Everything in this world comes from God. We can benefit from everything in this world because God wills so. Even life itself is a gift from God. It is, then, vital to put aside some time in our everyday life to remember why we are alive and why we have everything in our possession. In Islam, fasting provides such a time for Muslims. It also reminds Muslims of the importance of the Qur’an, which was first revealed during this period of the year. Also, it is important to note that the deprivation of food and drink is meant to showcase the act of sharing in the thirst and hunger of those in need (Mirza, 2016). Therefore, also reminding Muslims of their religious duty to help those in need. As a devout Muslim, I take the period of Ramadan seriously. During this time of the year, I focus on renewing my acquittance with God. I prepare myself in the best possible way to ensure that I can pray every day despite the temptation brought about by thirst and hunger. As I fast, I also ensure that I remind my friends and family why it is important to believe in God. While eating after dark, I share my food and drink with those around me and also thank God for providing it. It is often the case that one finds life tiring and unbearable. During the period of Ramadan, however, I can look back and see how far God has brought me. Through this recollection, I can become more appreciative of what God has given me. Henceforth, I share whatever I have with as many people as possible. This reminds me of the joy of sharing and helps reinvigorate me as well as my passion for life.

The fifth pillar is pilgrimage or “Hajj.” During the time of Hajj, every Muslim who is of good health and has adequate finances should prepare to visit Mecca (Mirza, 2016). Still, this condition is not overly imposed. Hence, every adult Muslim is required to visit the holy city at least once in his or her life. Mecca is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Only Muslims are allowed into the holy city. At Mecca, there is the Haram mosque. At its center is a cubical building known as the Ka’ba. The Ka’ba, which is normally covered in embroidered hangings, is believed to have been built by Abraham for God. Hence, when Muslims visit Mecca, they pray facing in its direction. Since the ancient times of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims have gathered in Mecca on the eighth and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar (Mirza, 2016). As a young Muslim, I am yet to make my journey to Mecca. All the adult Muslims in my family have made journeys to the holy city. During this year, a great pandemic has plagued the entire world. It has also halted many Muslims’ plans to visit Mecca. However, I do pray that the pandemic will come to an end soon and that I shall have the opportunity to pray at Mecca. If this opportunity does come, if God wills it, I believe that it will greatly influence and renew my faith in the one true God. The journey to Mecca is said to be a defining moment for every Muslim. Hence, during my first Hajj, I intend to make it as memorable as possible. I intend to follow the laws of this pilgrimage to the letter. If lucky, I would like to get close to the Ka’ba. The Ka’ba is a special and holy place. It is an honor and a privilege to pray before it. When the time comes, I do pray that I shall have the chance to experience this highly spiritual moment with my family and with other Muslims from around the world.

Conclusion

As noted above, there are five pillars of the Islamic faith. The first pillar is the confession of faith, the second prayer, the third charity, the fourth fasting, and the fifth pilgrimage. Each of these pillars dictates certain requirements that a Muslim should live by. As mentioned, I am a devout Muslim who believes in the one true God. Also, I often carry out my prayers as...