Islam & You.
What does Islam Requires? And what Completes it?
It Requires the Five Pillars of Islam, and Completes with the Six Pillars of I'man = Faith.
What are the (Five Pillars of Islam)?
- The First pillar is The Declaration of Faith (Shahadah):
The declaration of faith is bearing witness (testifying) that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah (God), and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Servant and Messenger. It must be based on a sincere and firm belief in the heart, as well as being uttered verbally.
Along being the first pillar Shahadah is also the foundation of every other believe or deed you perform in worship.
There are several things you need to know about this statement, First would be stating by tongue. But not anyone who states it by tongue will become a Muslim. Believing in this great statement is required, which is the declaring of the heart with absolutely no esitation nor duobt that there is no one who deserves any act of worship but Allah. A true Muslim does not worship anyone besides Allah Almighty because they believe that none is worthy of being worshiped besides Him. A true Muslim also believes that Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of Allah which indicates that everything he does\says is the only way Islam is guided.
Some benefits of the Declaration of Faith:
• Complete surrender to the will of Allah and becoming His true servant and subject.
• Produces a high degree of self-respect and confidence, while also remaining humble and modest.
• Produces strong determination, patience and perseverance, making a person brave and courageous, as well as dutiful and upright.
•Makes a person obey and observe Allah’s commands.
- The Second pillar is Establishment of Regular Prayer (Salat, also spilled as Salah):
It's the physical act with the presence of the heart with a specific postures facing the direction of Makkah (the qibla). First you need to know the importance of Salah in Islam: Our Prophet (pbuh) said that: "What differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of Salat, He who abandons it, Becomes a disbeliever". This shows how important Salah is.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said: “Prayer is a pillar of the religion (Islam). Whoever establishes it, establishes religion; and whoever destroys it (e.g. neglects it), destroys religion.” It is the link between us (creators) and Allah (our Creator). A true Muslim gives major importance and extreme care to their Salah. Therefore they pray their prayers on time. They establishes all the pillars of Salah (going to be cleared out later on) and focuses on the presence of their heart during it.
Prayer establishes a personal and spiritual connection between the Muslim and his Creator, based on faith, love, hope and reverence. When prayer is performed correctly with complete concentration, humility and sincerity, it will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace and closeness with Allah.
Prayer is the centre of a Muslim’s life and the best way to achieve submission to Allah. It can be offered almost anywhere clean: such as in fields, offices, factories or universities; and takes only a few minutes to perform. It consists of recitation from the Holy Qur’an, supplicating to and praising Allah, with various body postures such as standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. Through prayer, the Muslim remembers the greatness of his Creator and supplicates to Him for his needs and wishes.
Repeatedly humbling oneself before Allah prevents a person from falling into sin, and is a type of purification for one’s soul, as mentioned in the Qur’an: “Verily, the prayer prevents one from the shameful and evil deeds.” Qur’an 29:45. Prayer is also an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Salah should be preformed five times a day:
• FAJR (prayer of dawn): It's time starts from the first light of the morning appearing to the raising of the sun.
• DHUHR (prayer of afternoon): It's time starts when the sun had passed the meridian to the extent of the thong of a sandal till before the sun gets ready to go down.
• ASR (prayer of midday): It's time starts from the moment the sun begins to go down to the moment it has went all the way down.
• MAGHRIB (prayer of sunset): It's time starts from the sun setting until the night clears out.
• ISHA (prayer of night time): It's time starts when the night has settled to the moment it begins to prepare for change.
What are the pillars of Salah?
- Now you might wonder: (How do I preform salah?)
You need to know the pillars of Salah, without them the prayer is not established and invalid.
• 1st pillar is Intention. The intention should be before preforming the Salah. "Which Salah i’m going to preform?"
• 2nd pillar is Takbeer (takbeeratul-ihram). Which is the act of raising the hands in a parallel shape with your ears while saying "Allahu akbar." Means: Allah is the greatest. With takbeeratul-ihram the prayer begins.
• 3rd pillar is Standing (al qiyam) if you are capable, while facing the qibla.
• 4th pillar is Reciting suratul Fatiha. Which is the opening surah (chapter) of the holy Quran consists of 7 ayah (verses).
• 5th pillar is Rukuu (bowing posture) while saying: "Subhana Rabbi Aladheem." Means: Glory be to my almighty God. That is at least three times, with the head and the back in the same level with the hands spreading apart on the knees.
• 6th pillar would be Raising Up from rukuu and getting back to your qiyam postion.
• 7th pillar is Sujuud (prostration position). In such a way where the seven parts of your body: Forehead, tip of nose, palm of hands, knees and the button of the toes; all placed on the ground while saying: "Subhana Rabbi Alaelaa." Means: Glory be to my Lord, The Most High. + Sujuud should be preformed two times, with the sitting position between the two of them.
• 8th pillar is the Last Tashhud while in the sitting position and saying the words of witness.
• 9th pillar is Altaslim. Which is announcing the end of the prayer by moving your head to the right first while saying: "Alsalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah." Means: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you. Then moving your head to the left and saying the same statement.
• 10th pillar is the Sequence of these pillars in turns by order.
• 11th pillar is the Tranquility. Which is giving time to every pillar in firm shape until you get done with it and move to the next pillar.
Here is a link to show you the physical tutorial of the Salah:
• https://youtu.be/Zj4Q6CZ5C-4
- The Third pillar is Paying Charity (Zakah):
All things belong to Allah, including wealth, which is considered as a trust. The prescribed charity is an obligation on every Muslim who meets certain criteria (e.g. attained maturity, is sane, has wealth above a certain threshold). A small portion of wealth (includes 2.5% monetary and may include other assets) which must be paid annually to those who are eligible, as prescribed in the Qur’an (e.g. the poor and needy).
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah has made zakah obligatory simply to purify your remaining wealth.”
The meaning of the word “zakah”, is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. This is similar to the pruning of plants, whereby regularly trimming provides balance and encourages growth. By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims purify their remaining wealth, as well as ensure both financial and spiritual growth.
Some benefits of Zakah:
• Purifies one from selfishness, arrogance and a greedy heart.
• Trains one to be sympathetic and compassionate towards the poor and needy.
• Reminds one of the blessings from Allah and encourages one to be grateful.
• Bridges the gap between different socio-economic classes and groups, and is a form of social security.
• Reduces poverty and ensures equality by making it obligatory upon the rich to share some of their wealth with the less fortunate “...so that this (wealth) may not circulate solely among the rich from among you.” Qur’an 59:7
A person may also give as much as they please as additional voluntary charity.
- The Fourth pillar is Fasting the (lunar) month of Ramadan (Sawm):
As with any act of worship, fasting requires obedience and submission to Allah’s commands through the highest degree of commitment and sincerity.
Every year during the month of Ramadan (the 9th month of the lunar calendar), Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from three key human needs - food, drink and sexual relations. One should also abstain from all sinful actions.
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory on every physically and mentally capable adult Muslim. Children, the sick, the mentally unfit, the elderly, menstruating women, and travellers are exempt.
Some benefits of Fasting:
• Promotes spiritual self-purification and growth.
• Scientifically proven health benefits.
• Sympathy for those less fortunate, prompting more charity.A means of learning self-restraint and patience.
• Purifies the soul and helps it acquire the habit of obeying Allah by restraining desires, and promotes steadfastness.
• Creates an increased feeling of unity and collective identity amongst those fasting.
• Creates an increased awareness about the state of affairs across the globe and the hardships endured.
• Forgiveness of sins. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “He who fasts Ramadan, with faith and hoping for reward (from Allah), then his past sins are forgiven.”
- The Fifth and last pillar of Islam is Pilgrimage (Hajj):
“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s transportation, provision and residence).” Qur’an 3:97
Pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah (in Saudi Arabia) and other sacred sites must be performed at least once in a person’s life, if they are physically and financially capable.
Performing the pilgrimage is a temporary suspension of all worldly activities, and is a time for one to reflect, worship, seek the forgiveness of Allah and attain His closeness.
The Pilgrimage is an annual event in the 12th month of the lunar calendar (Dhul-Hijjah in Arabic), which unifies people of every colour, race, status and age, as they join in worship of the One True God. All pilgrims wear simple and similar clothing, which strips away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah.
Hajj involves following in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham, as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them). This great act of worship consists of many components including sacrificing an animal, supplicating, visiting and praying at various sites, circling the Ka’bah, walking between two mountains, as well as many other rituals, all of which are performed over a period of 6 continuous days.
Such an experience is life-altering and humbles a person, making them more patient and thankful to Allah. Brotherhood is increased, as is the sense that all Muslims, regardless of their differences, are one nation.
- Conclusion:
The five pillars of Islam have been prescribed by Allah, and a Muslim is required to believe and act according to them. They are practical as well as easy, and the blessings and wisdom behind them are manifold. When put into perspective, they contribute to the well being of both the individual and the society, enhancing the character and manners of the individual, and making both society and individuals accountable and closer to Allah.
These noble pillars of Islam are purely for the benefit of His creation, as Allah (Glory be to Him!) is free of all needs. These five pillars provide the solid structure and ‘training programme’ for the betterment and success of all humanity.
And what are the (Six Pillars of Faith)?
- The First pillar is to Belief in Allah:
The scholars of Islam have written extensively about this topic as it is the most important thing for a Muslim to know. Belief in Allah is the foundation for which a Muslim’s faith is built upon.
It is to believe that Allah is the only Creator, Sustainer, King, and Planner of everything in existence.
"O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? None has the right to be worshipped but He. How then are you turning away (from Him)." Qur'an 35:3
Muslims believe that all of mankind was created to dedicate worship for Allah alone. Muslims believe everything else that is worshiped other than Him is falsely worshiped.
"Set not up with Allah any other god, (O man)!, or you will sit down reproved, forsaken." Qur'an 17:22
This means to believe in Allah and in His Attributes in the way that is taught within the Qur’an and the Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad). A Muslim believes that Allah possesses Names and Attributes that only belong to Him. There is nothing in existence that is similar to Him.
- The Second pillar is to Belief in the Angels:
Angels are from the world of the unseen. They were created to obey the commands of Allah and they never transgress His laws or commands. Here is the description of the Angels with verses from the Qur’an:
"Who disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded." Qur’an 66:6
"They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His command." Qur’an 21:27
"And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). They (i.e. the angels) glorify His praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so)." Qur’an 21:19,20
It is upon the Muslim to believe that the angels exist, that they are the creation of Allah, and that some of them have been given names. Some of these names are Jibreel (Gabriel), Mikail, Israfeel, and Malik.
Muslims also believe in the attributes of the angels that have been described within the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). For example, it is taught that the Angels were created from light and that the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) has six hundred wings.
The angels have been appointed to perform certain tasks. Here are some examples:
• Jibreel has been given the duty to deliver the revelations to all the messengers.
• Malik who has been appointed and entrusted with Hell.
• Ridwan who was entrusted with Paradise.
• Israfeel has been entrusted with blowing the Trumpet which signals the beginning of the Day of Judgement.
It is very important for Muslims to believe that every human being has two angels with him who records all of their deeds in a book, regardless of whether they are good deeds or sins.
"(Remember) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." Qur'an 50:17,18
- The Third pillar is to Belief in the Revealed Scriptures:
In Islam it is a part of faith to believe all the books that were revealed to the messengers. There have been many scriptures revealed throughout the history of mankind. Allah tells us about a few of the names of the scriptures in the Qur’an.
They include the Torah which was sent to Moses, the Gospel which was sent to Jesus, the Psalms (Zaboor) which was sent to David, the scriptures of Ibrahim (Abraham), and the Qur’an itself which was sent to Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
"It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel." Qur'an 3:3
Allah says says in another verse:
"…and to David We gave the Psalms (Zaboor)." Qur'an 17:55
It is obligatory for Muslims to believe in all the Books which Allah has revealed and in all the Prophets and Messengers whom Allah has sent.
"O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad), and the Book (the Qur’an) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him); and whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away." Qur'an 4:136
Believing in the books that were revealed to the Messengers includes believing that they were revealed by Allah. These scriptures were revealed to mankind in different ways. For example, Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah to Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
"It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger to reveal what He wills by His permission. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise." Qur'an 42:51
It is important to understand that one of the reasons Allah revealed the Qur’an to mankind was to confirm the books of revelation that came before it.
"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and watcher over it (determining what is true therein). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ." Qur'an 5:48
- The Fourth pillar is to Belief in the Messengers:
It is upon the Muslim to believe in all the messengers that were sent. Among the messengers that were sent are those that have been told to us, ones we know by name, and those that were not mentioned.
"And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not mentioned to you. And to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly." Qur'an 4:164
There are 25 messengers who have been mentioned by name in the Qur’an. They include: Adam, Idrees, Nooh (Noah), Hood, Salih, Ibrahim (Abraham), Lut (Lot), Ismail, Ishaq (Isaac), Ya’qoob (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Shu’ayb, Ayoob (Job), Dhu’l-Kifl, Moosa (Moses), Haroon (Aaron), Dawood (David), Sulaymaan (Solomon), Ilyaas (Elias), al-Yasa’, Yunus (Jonah), Zakaria, Yahya, ‘Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon them all.
Prophets and messengers were chosen by Allah, and were sent to every nation throughout the history of mankind.
Muslims believe they were commanded to call the people to worship only one God: Allah, without associating any partners with Him. They were also commanded to warn those who disbelieved about the punishment of Hell, and to give glad tidings to those who believed about the reward of Paradise.
"And verily, We have sent into every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) all false deities. Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied." Qur'an16:36
Some of the prophets and messengers have been given a higher status than the others. Five messengers in particular were given the special title of the Messengers of Strong Will.
They were the best messengers of Allah sent throughout history. They are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad who was the best of all messengers (peace be upon them all). Every messenger before him was sent to a specific nation. As for Muhammad (peace be upon him), he was the final Prophet and was sent to all of mankind.
Allah chose the prophets and messengers as the best of examples to their nations. Allah bestowed upon them knowledge, understanding, guidance, miracles, protection from falling into sin, and honour.
"They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance." Qur'an 6:90
As for Muhammad (pbuh) he was given more blessings than the prophets and messengers who came before him. The biggest blessing was to be given the final scripture (Qur’an) and be the last messenger sent to mankind.
- The Fifth pillar is to Belief in the Last Day:
The Day of Judgment is the day when Allah judges mankind for their deeds. Every human being will be resurrected from their graves and will be given their book of deeds – both good and bad. They will regret the sins they committed as well as the good deeds they had missed.
"(Then) a person will know what he has sent forward and (what he has) left behind (of good or bad deeds)." Qur'an 82:5
Believing in the Last Day includes the belief of the punishment and bliss of the grave, belief in the resurrection, belief in the judgment of the scales which will balance your deeds, and belief in Paradise and Hell.
The concept of resurrection may seem far-fetched to some. The Qur’an addresses this issue in many of its verses. Here is one of these passages:
"...And they will say: "Who shall bring us back (to life)?" Say: He Who created you first!..." Qur'an 17:51
- The Sixth and last pillar of Faith is to Belief in Divine Decree (Al-Qadar):
Al-Qadar is what Allah decrees for every single creation based on what has preceded in terms of His Knowledge and in accordance with His Wisdom. Belief in this pillar is to believe that everything that happens, good or bad, happens only according to Allah’s divine decree.
Zaid ibn Thabit, a Companion of the Prophet (pbuh), once said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah say: “If Allah were to punish the inhabitants of His heavens and of His earth, he would do so and He would not be unjust towards them. And if He were to have mercy on them, His mercy would be better for them than their own deeds. If you had the equivalent of Mount Uhud (a mountain near Madinah) which you spent in the cause of Allah, that would not be accepted from you until you believed in the Divine Decree and you know that whatever has befallen you, could not have passed you by; and whatever has passed you by, could not have befallen you; and that if you were to die believing anything other than this, you would enter Hell.”
"Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. And We have sent you [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness." Qur'an 4:79
Conclusion: Iman represents the belief of Muslims, which is the core of Islam. We have learnt, that it is a requirement for faith in (by) the heart to be accompanied with faith in physical actions at all times. This means, the quantity and quality of our physical actions (with faith) reflect the strength of the acceptance of the faith by our hearts, and our tongues will play the part of verbal expressions.
- The above-mentioned aspects of faith and acts of worship make up the essence of Islam. When practised, Islam fulfils the spiritual, physical, psychological and social needs of all people, and is a practical and rational way of life. Furthermore, it is the only way of life which is accepted by God Almighty, and the only path that leads to everlasting Paradise.
● Islam Requires from you the Five Pillars of Islam, and your Islam Completes with the Six Pillars of I'man = Faith.
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