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Running Head: ANALYZING THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

Analyzing the five pillars of Islam
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ANALYZING THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

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Five Pillars of Islam
Shahadah
The Shahadah is where the Muslims declare their faith in God. The word shahadah in
Arabic means ‘testimony. The Shahadah is the act of testifying that one believes in God and his
prophet Muhamad. The first part defines how the Muslims should strive in their personal lives, to
help the community and also take care of the environment. The second part declares the
existence of God without considering any other being like God or working with God. Also, it
states the Muslims are servants of God. The third part witnesses that God sent prophets to
humankind such as Muhammad and that he received guidance from God.
Salah
Salah also known as revealed prayer and is the daily ritual prayer enjoined upon all
Muslims. Salah is a detailed worship, different from praying for the inspiration of the moment. It
is performed five times a day by all Muslims as per the position of the sun as follows
• Between first light and sunrise.
• After passing of the sun in the middle of the sky.
• Between mid-afternoon and sunset.
•The long one between sunset and the last light of the day and between darkness and
midnight. Muslims perform washing which is a brief ritual as a way of purification.
Zakat
Zakat also known as compulsory charity is the annual giving off a percentage of a
Muslim’s wealth and possessions beyond basic needs. It is a requirement for every financially
stable Muslim. It is considered an honor and a privilege to give. Every individual gives what they

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can afford, and they are not asked for it. It is also confidential and one gives after paying off
debts and giving sacrificially and begging is prohibited.
The fast of Ramadan (Siyam)
This is a time of gift giving and service after which time, the fast commences. Muslims
do not eat anything before dawn and dusk. This pillar affects adults, but children can do it
voluntarily. During this period they perform prayers between morning, afternoon and evening.
At evening, there is the breaking of this fasting with a few dates, people relate well to each other.
Daily workplace and school plans change. Each faces hunger and discomfort, but later they
adapt. Muslims are supposed to avoid the use of abusive words, conflicts or arguments during
this fasting period. Fasting helps their body physically and psychologically and also helps people
to reevaluate their lives spiritually and draw close...