#27- The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and
practice of the Islamic faith? It is a name designating a unique being and him only. There is only one God.

2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to live in obedience to the will of Allah? Mentally, it’s to help keep their lives in perspective. Also, it comes down to submitting one’s will to God as its rightful sovereign. Physically, they pray towards the direction of Mecca to participate in fellowship where one prays in solitude. As well as when praying, the body is in a defenseless position signifying that God has all the power.
3. In what way does the practice of Zakat influence Muslims as a community of faith? It shows that they are a community and that they take action on the disparity in their country. The upper and middle classes giving their wealth to the poor takes after God telling people to give back to the poor. Muslims that practice Zakat are doing Gods work.
4. How does the practice of Sawn both mentally and physically help a Muslim to live in obedience to the will of Allah? Mentally- it teaches self-discipline and fasting calls back to ones frailty, dependence and sensitizes compassion. Physically- a Muslim may not eat from sunrise to sunset. And may not smoke nor drink.
5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice similar and different from other world religions? I think the Hajj is a pillar because it shows a Muslim’s devotion to God and bringing everyone together as one. No one is different everyone is equal. To other religions, the Hajj is similar to Judaism. Jews are encouraged to visit Israel; this is the place where God made a promise to Abraham. It’s different to other religions such as Christianity and Hinduism.
6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in a relationship to the Five Pillars? I think it is challenging to be a Muslim. Because of the strict laws that come with it, it would be a struggle to discipline yourself to abide by every single law. Some of the things I think would be hard to discipline yourself with is not drinking alcohol, fasting, the dietary laws, not having sex and praying 5 times a day.