Pillars of Islam

Shahadah

Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. The confession of the faith of a Muslim is in the pronouncement of Shahadah.

“I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, Who is One, Who has no partners and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and apostle.”

This declaration is the foundation and essence of Islam. It is the expression of belief, which differentiates a believer from a non-believer.

The primary emphasis of Quran is upon the doctrine of Tauhid. Surah Ikhlas says:

“He is Allah, the One and Only. Allah the Eternal, the Absolute. He begets not nor He is begotten; and there is none like unto Him.”

True unity of Allah means that He is unique in person. This signifies that Allah is only One and there is no plurality in the name of god. The Quran says:

“Take not (for worship) to gods: for He is just one God.”

He is unique in His attributes; this signifies that no other being can parallel Allah’s attributes and powers. No power can do the tasks which Allah has already done or may do. Holy Quran says:

“Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him.”

This declaration is not only confined to the Oneness of Allah but it also highlights the authority and sovereignty of Allah. There is no other Creator and Sustainer of this universe except Him. There can likewise be no other ruler, law giver and supreme authority.

The second part of declaration is:

“Muhammad is His servant and apostle.”

This shows us the inseparable relation between the belief in Oneness of Allah and Prophet (PBUH) as His last messenger. Allah appointed Holy Prophet (PBUH) as His messenger and revealed Quran through him upon the humankind. He is the role model for every Muslim without whom we would have no idea of how to confirm the truth laid down by the first part of declaration. Prophet (PBUH) is the link between the Creator and the creatures. Therefore, to deny the second part of the declaration, would be to cut off all the connections of the Islamic faith with the first one. Holy Quran says:

“He who obeys the Prophet, obeys Allah.”

This declaration prepares human beings to reflect upon Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings and encourages them to follow his path. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) summed up all the previous revelations, therefore to follow him is to follow the teachings of all prophets. As Quran says:

“We sent not a messenger but to be obeyed in accordance to the will of Allah.”

He is the symbol of the message of Allah known as Islam which was one or the other way was preached by all previous prophets.

Salah

After fulfilling the conditions for the prayer, the worshipper stands straight with his face towards Ka’aba and hands hanging down the sides of body, he makes the Niyat for prayer, to be offered. He then raises his hands to his ears and recites Taqbeer-e-Tahrima. The hands are brought down and folded on navel. In this position Sana is recited followed by Taawwuz:

“I betake myself to Allah for refuge from accursed Satan.”

After this, Tasmiyah is recited.  Surah Fatiha is recited followed by Tasmiyah. It means:

“In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.”

After the recitation of Surah Fatiha, any short or lengthy surah is recited. The worshipper then bows down in forward direction, while standing and placing both his hands on his knees. In this position, he recites Tasbih Ruku atleast three times:

“Glory to my Lord, the Great.”

After saying this, he stands straight and recites:

“Allah listens to him who gives praise.”

Then Tahmid is recited:

“O our Lord! All praise is due to you alone.”

After Tahimd, the worshipper stands erect for  a while and then goes to ground for prostration while reciting Taqbeer. In position of Sajda, the toes of both feet, both knees, both hands and the forehead touch the ground. In this posture, worshipper recites:

“Glory to my Lord, the most High”

is recited thrice. After the Tasbih Sajda, the worshipper says Takbir and sites for a short while while reciting Takbir. This is known as Jalsa after which second Sajda is performed in the same way as first. He then recites Takbir while rising. The worshipper then stands to perform the second Rakat in the same way as the first except that Sana in position of Qiyam is not to be recited. After the performance of second Rakat, the worshipper assumes sitting position known a Qaadah.

Following Qaadah he recites Tahiyya:

“All prayers and worships rendered through words, actions and wealth are due to Allah alone. Peace be on you, O Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be on us and the righteous servants of Allah.”

Then worshipper recites the Tashuud:

“I bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and apostle.”

Followed by this, Durud is recited which mentions the blessing on Holy Prophet (PBUH). After the recitation of Durud, he recites:

“O my Lord! Make me one who establishes regular prayers and also among my offspring. O our Lord! Accept my prayers. O one Lord! Cover me with your forgiveness- me, my parents and believers to the day of Judgment.”

Consequently, the worshipper ends the prayer with Taslim in which he turns his face to right, looking over the right shoulder says:

“Peace be upon you and mercy of Allah”

Then turning his face to left and looking over the next shoulder, the repeats the same words.

Conditions to be fulfilled before Salah

As prayer (Salah) is the second pillar of Islam. It begins with the purification of the body and ends with the purification of the soul. The prayers (Salah) performed five times a day and the night which are Fajr (at dawn), Zuhr (afternoon), Asr (midafternoon), Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (nightfall). Prayer may be considered as an energizing charge man needs to stand in the remembrance of his Rabb. In order to renew the contact with his Rabb, the first think the men starts off his day with his prayer. As the Holy Quran says:

 “When you have finished As-Salat (the prayer – congregational), remember Allah standing, sitting down, and lying down on your sides, but when you are free from danger, perform As-Salat. Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours.”

Allah also says in the Holy Quran:

 “And seek help through patience and prayers”

To perform prayer there are certain conditions that a person needs to fulfill before offering the prayers. These conditions are that person should wear clean cloths and body must be clean from all impurities. They have to cover the Satar as well as the women: All Muslims that is male are required to cover what is between the navel and the knee at Salah. But women should cover the whole body except their faces and hands. Tight (not transparent) cloths are accepted but loose ones are preferable. Person must perform ablution with the intentions of Salah for which he or she are performing the Wuzu. The place where he or she is going to pray must be clean as Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge), purify yourself (bath your whole body)..”

After performing Wuzu and standing at clean place for prayer, a Muslim should orientate himself or herself towards the point of adoration that is the Holy Kaabah in the city of Makkah:

 “So turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Haram (at Makkah). And wheresoever’s you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.”

After this the worshipper make intention for prayer and starts his Salah. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Intention is compulsory for all deeds”

Congregational prayers

The Friday prayer carries special importance for Muslim and Quran relates it as:

“O Ye Who believe! When the call is proclaimed on Friday (the day of Assembly) hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business, that is the best for you if ye but knew.”

Friday prayer according to Holy Prophet PBUH is obligatory on every adult male.  The preparations for Jumma prayer are similar to that of daily prayers but Muslims are advised to take bath, put on fresh clothes and apply some fragrance, which is also a Sunnah of Prophet PBUH. Muslims are required to leave their business and go to mosque as soon as they hear the Azaan for the Friday prayer. Mainly, males offer congregational prayer but in some communities, women are also encouraged to attend and pray in congregation.

After the first Azaan is called, one has to offer for pre-farz Sunnats. Then the second Azaan is called before the Khutbaa. After the call to prayers, the Imam delivers the sermon, which is an essential part of Friday prayer. The Khutbaa is obligatory (Farz) part of Friday prayer and listening to it is a Wajib act. While the Khutbaa is being delivered, no conversation is allowed. Reading Holy Quran, reciting Durud or even praying is forbidden. Prohet(PBUH) said:

”When you tell your companion on Friday to be silent while the Imam is preaching, you are guilty of idle talk.”

Everyone must listen the sermon quietly till the end. The use of mobile phones must be prevented. The sermon consists of advice based on the Quran and Hadith about living a life style according to Islam. The Imam upon delivering the first sermon sits down for a short while and starts to deliver the second sermon. In this, the Imam recites portions of Holy Quran.

After the second sermon, people arrange themselves in rows while the Iqamat is being called. Two Farz raakats are offered under the leadership of Imam. As soon as the Farz are offered, the Friday prayer is completed and the Imam makes dua. Following this, the Muslims offer 4 raakats of Sunnats, followed by 2 more Sunnats and 2 Nawafil individually. Furthermore, the Friday prayer cannot be prayed as Kaza, instead the believer has to offer the Zuhr prayer. Moreover, there are some people exempted from the Friday congregational prayers. They include: Travelers, Sick, women, minors, slaves and children.

Zakat

Zakaat is the third pillar of Islamic faith. It can be defined as portion of man’s wealth, which is designated for the poor. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

”Zakaat should be collected from well-to-do and distributed among the poor.”

Zakaat was made obligatory on Muslims in 2A.H. Quran says:

” And spend your substances on the cause of Allah”

The Zakaat is obligatory on every free adult Muslim who owns and possesses a property to the prescribed state called Nisam (the minimum amount of possession on which Zakaat is liable).

Zakaat is payable on cash, silver, gold, jewellery, animals, mines, agricultural goods. There are set percentages for the payment of Zakaat. On cash, it amounts for 25%. The person who possesses 52  silver or 7  tolas of gold, he is liable to pay zakaat at a rate of 2.5%. The owner of the mines must pay amount that is of   th of their total production. The state of Zakaat, which is implied as an agricultural production is called Ushr. It amounts for the th part of land irrigated artificially and th of the land fed by rain. In livestock, on every 30 sheep, 1 goat must be given. On every 30 to 40 cattle, 1 calf on age of one year is to be given. Furthermore, on every 5 camels, one goat or sheep must be given. Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid down great emphasis upon the payment of Zakaat and admonished those who do not pay Zakaat. Holy Quran says:

“And those who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of Allah, announce unto them a painful torment..”

Most of the Muslims give alms of the year in the month of Ramadan but they must also remember to pay Sadqa-tul-Fitr which is given to the needy ones at the mosque. Quran and Sunnah mention those to whom Zakaat must be given and to whom may not. It is to be given to poor who do not posses any property, equal to that of Nisab. Secondly, to those who are in need and are forced to beg. Thirdly, to those who have newly accepted Islam and are in need of necessities. The slaves who have to earn their freedom  and are in debt. Zakaat can also be given to travelers and to those who have been appointed to collect it. Quran sums up all of this by saying:

“Alms for poor and needy and those who employed to administer the fond and those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to truth. Those in bondage, in debt, in cause of Allah and for the wayfarer.”

Zakaat must not be given to descendants  of the prophets, ones parents or children and to non-Muslims. Also, it cannot be given as a part of salary to any employee or worker.

Fasting

Fasting means to abstain from food, marital relations, sins etc and devote oneself to praise of Allah during the holy month of Ramazan. Fasting is obligatory on all Muslims adults both males and females. Before fasting, Sehri is taken till dawn which involves consumption of food and drink as one has to remain hungry for the rest of the day. An intention before fasting and taking Sehri has to be made which is:

“I intend to keep tomorrow’s fast of Ramadan.”

The Sehri must be finished before the emergence of light on horizon. Holy Quran refers to it as:

“Allah has ordained for you and eats and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of night at dawn.”

From this very moment, the person is subject to all restrictions and prohibitions associated with fast until the setting of the sun. They include eating, drinking, smoking, consuming medicine by mouth and marital relations. Any type of sin whether minor or major has to be avoided during the state of fasting. The sin could be as small as lying. The only things for which a Qaza fast is necessary include:  swallowing something other than food or drink, injecting liquid medicine in body, vomiting, entering of water in throat while gargling. Qaza is a type of fast, which has to be kept after Ramazan for any fast that was broken earlier during the holy month of Ramazan. If the fast is broken intentionally or by any means that are prohibited, then in addition to the Qaza fast, the person shall have to pay Kaffara. It is for the every fast broken, the believer has to fast for 60 days continuously. Even if a single fast is missed, he shall have to start all over again to complete the 60 days fasting penalty. If the believer cannot for 60 consecutive days, he may for each broken fast, feed 60 poor people twice a day or give cash or grain equal to the Sadqah-e-Fitr to 60 needy people.  One must try to commit as many deeds as he can and seek for Allah’s forgiveness. The primary purpose of fasting is to please Allah as much as we can and to abstain from all types of sins. Other than praying punctually, one must recite Holy Quran as much as he can.

While fasting, the use of toothbrush, hair oil and perfume is allowed. The paste or tooth powder if used, must be taken care that they not enter the throat. There are some special cases which are exempted from fasting and they do not have to keep the Qaza fast. These include: menstruating, pregnant or nursing ladies. A patient in severe condition, infants and old people who are feeble are all exempted from fasting.

All of the restrictions are lifted as soon as the time for Maghrib prayer comes.  Muslim has to break the fast after the sunset by reciting the following verses:

“O Allah! I fasted for you, believe in you and put my trust in you with your sustenance, I now break the fast.”

Regarding breaking the fast with dates, Prophet (PBUH) said:

“When one of you breaks his fast, he should do so with dates, for they provide blessing.”

The fast is usually broken with consumption of date and water which is a Sunnah itself. Later on, all the prohibitions are lifted and the Muslim may carry out the tasks normally till the time of Sehri.

Hajj

The performance of Hajj is very difficult and strenuous form of worship though Muslims should attempt to go once in their lifetime. Holy Quran says:

“Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah – those can afford the journey.”

Pilgrims arrive in Makka by the 7th day of Dhu al-Hajj. They purify themselves and the men put on Ihram. It is the preparation, entering into the purified state at prescribed stations, Mawaqit, by shedding ordinary clothes and putting on two seamless clothes. They are worn in such a way that one is around the waist and other is over the shoulder. Females do not use these clothes instead; they put on simple and modest clothes to cover their bodies with the exception of face and hands. At the great Mosque of Ka’aba, Masjid ul Haram, they perform the Tawwaf.  It is anti-clockwise circumambulation of Ka’aba seven times, at the inception and conclusion of Hajj. Afterwards, the pilgrims carry out Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa by running between the hills seven times. Quran says:

“Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the house in the season or other times should compass them round, it is no sin to them.”

On the eight day of Dhu al-Hajj, the pilgrims proceed to the plain of Mina, where they spend the night in praying and worship of Allah. On the ninth day, they leave Mina for Arafat, where they recite Holy Quran and pray Asr and Zurh together at the Jaba al-Rahma. This process is known as Wuquf in which they spend time by reciting appropriate passages from Quran. This is the climax of Hajj and Muslims believe that the misdeeds of their lives, until this time are forgiven. At the time of sunset, the pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifa, where they spend their night in worship while performing Isha and Maghrib together. Later on, they gather 49 pebbles for the next day.

At the time of dawn, they proceed to Mina, where they perform Rami. It is done by throwing pebbles at the Jamarat. The stone pillars in three in total and they symbolize Satan who tried to mislead Hazrat Abraham (R.A) at three places, where Jamarat are situated. The stoning is done from about five or six feet from the pillar. After this, the animal sacrifice, Udhiya is performed on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hajj. The Eid ul Azha is performed at Mina. Men usually have their heads shaved at this time. Regarding sacrificing animal, Quran says:

“The sacrificial camels, We have made for you as among the symbols from Allah in them is much good for you… When they are down on their sides after slaughter, eat from them and feed others.”

Rami is then performed once again on 11th and 12th day as well. On the 12thday, the pilgrims return to the Ka’aba for the final Tawwaf and with this observance, the Hajj is completed.

Jihad

Jihad is the core principle in the Islamic teachings. The root word of Jihad means to strive, to struggle, to exert one’s energy and to preserve. The Quran uses the term ‘Jihad’ in context with the struggle in the way of Allah. Thus, doing all that comprises good conduct as Allah expects of us. Striving and doing one’s  best to achieve a worthy objective is essential for human development. Surah Ankabut says:

“And whoever strives hard does so for his own soul; for Allah is free of all needs from all creation”

In true inner sense, Jihad means purifying oneself of one’s shortcomings and tendencies so that one is guided towards Allah. Outwardly, it is to stand up for what is right as directed by Allah, to improve social conditions, to help the weak and needy, to put one’s life at risk to uphold the truth.

Muslim jurists explain that there are types of Jihad. The first one is the spiritual Jihad (Jihad bil nafs). It is a struggle to resist temptation to evil, and to overcome one’s own weaknesses, feelings and failings. Thus, it demands a continuous and uninterrupted fight against one’s own self. Now it is up to a person to strive to conquer his animal instincts and harness his energies towards ultimate goal of Paradise. Holy Quran says:

“Successful is he who purified (his nafs) and lost his he who succumbed (to nafs).

The Holy Quran warns of the internal evil and also guides the believers as how to counter it:

Say I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind… from the evil of the whisperer ( Satan) who whispers and withdraws. The same who whispers in the heart of mankind.”

Another example is of Prophet (PBUH) who told warriors returning to Medina after a battle that they had returned from the lesser Jihad (of warfare) to greater Jihad of struggle against one’s own heart.

The second type of Jihad is of tongue (Jihad bil-lisan). It is speaking and upholding the truth, speaking out against what is wrong and immoral. It is also the spreading the word of Allah and the teachings of Islam. The Holy Quran says:

“And shun the word that is false”

Furthermore a Hadith of Prophet(PBUH) says:

“The most excellent Jihad is uttering the truth in the presence of an unjust ruler.”

An extension of Jihad bil lisan is the practice of da’wah or peaceful invitation to the fold of Islam. The Qurans stresses on the fact that the religious missionaries should be equipped with the tools of wisdom and knowledge. The Quran turns Muslims as the best people because of their ability to conduct Jihad with tongue.

“You are the best people involved for mankind, enjoying what is right, forbidding what is evil and believing in Allah.”

The whole life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) was spent in this type of Jihad.

The next type of Jihad id Jihad by hand (jihad bil yad). It refers to choosing to do what is right and to combat injustice and what is wrong with actions. Also, it may require spending financial resources. Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The believer who strives hard in the way of God and his property is the excellent man”

Such use of physical force may require consistent effort and may lead to testing situations. Holy Prophet (PBUH) instructed to act against evil according to the resources available:

“Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hands, and if he is not able to do so then with his tongue…”

The Quran also commands the believers to strive for a noble cause in accordance with ability and resources:

“And strive in His cause as you ought to strive with sincerity and discipline.”

The next comes Jihad by sword (Jihad bil saif) which refers to Qital fisabillilah (armed fighting in way of Allah), has been exploited and misused as ‘Holy War’. Qital means armed struggle in way of Allah, and it may result in bloodshed. Muslims have been told that they should not take harsh measures unless war has been imposed on them. Islam guides that Muslims individuals cannot conduct Qital without the permission of the head of the state. Islam also teaches Muslims that peace and reconciliation should be preferred over war. The Holy Quran says:

“If your enemy inclines towards peace, then you should seek peace and trust in Allah; verily, He is All Hearer, All Knower.”

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) demonstrated this injunctions when he agreed to some unfair clauses of Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Prophet (P.B.U.H) remained firm and received glad tidings on way back to Medina:

“Verily, We have granted you a manifest victory.”

Furthermore, if a Muslim state is seriously under threat then they are allowed to fight even during the sacred months. Quran says:

“..fighting  therein (prohibited months) is a grave offence but is graver in sight of God to prevent access to path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to sacred mosques…”