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Pillars of Islamic Practice

Pillars of Islamic Practice. SCTR 19 - Religions of the Book Prepared by Sean Hind. What are the Five Pillars?. Main Religious Practices of Sunnis: Profession of Faith Ritual Prayer Almsgiving Fasting during Ramadan Pilgrimage to Makka

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Pillars of Islamic Practice

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  1. Pillars of Islamic Practice SCTR 19 - Religions of the Book Prepared by Sean Hind

  2. What are the Five Pillars? Main Religious Practices of Sunnis: • Profession of Faith • Ritual Prayer • Almsgiving • Fastingduring Ramadan • Pilgrimageto Makka • Described esp. in Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281

  3. Shahada Declaration of Faith: • “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” • Not directly from Qur’an, but combo (e.g. Surah 49) • Sincere profession without coercion is the only “initiation” into the Islamic faith • Recited frequently, publicly and privately • Part of the Adhan (5x daily “Call to Prayer”) • Shi’ite Muslims add “Ali is the Friend of God”

  4. Salat Ritual Prayer or Worship • Performed 5x daily by Sunnis, 3x by Shi’ites • Muezzein cries out the Adhan(“Call to Prayer”) • Ritual washings performed before prayer • Prescribed body movements during prayer • Prayer facing the Ka’bah in Makka (Qur’an 2:142-152) • Can be done alone or with others (esp. in mosque) • Friday Midday prayers – men required to attend

  5. Zakat Giving Alms to the Poor • 2.5% of capital assets, annually • Seen as “Purification of wealth” • Formerly collected as a tax in Muslim countries • Now usually up to individuals • Reminds people that ultimately,everything belongs to God • See Qur’an 2:261-281; 107:1-7

  6. Sawm Fasting during Ramadan • Considered holiest month of Islamic year • No food, drink, smoke, sex during daylight hours • Mandated by Qur’an (e.g. Surah 2:183-188) • Exceptions: children, elderly, sick, pregnant • For spiritual and physical cleansing/renewal • Consequences of not fasting? • Meals after sunset: Iftar(“breaking the fast”) • Ends with Eid al-Fitr (“Feast of Breaking the Fast”)

  7. Hajj Pilgrimage to Makka • Held annually, during 12th month (Dhu'l-Hijja) • Participation required once in lifetime, if possible(unless physically or financially unable; see Qur’an 2:196-203) • Ca. 2 – 3 million pilgrims attend each year • Simple garments are worn, stressing equality • Several rituals take place during 3-4 days • Culminates with Eid al-Adha(“Feast of the Sacrifice”)

  8. Review • The Five Pillars: • See esp. Qur’an 2:142-152, 183-203, 261-281 • Shahada – Declaration of Faith • Salat – Ritual Prayer or Worship • Zakat – Giving almsto the poor • Sawm – Fastingduring Ramadan • Hajj – Pilgrimageto Makka • A Sixth Pillar (for some Muslims, esp. Shi’ites): • Jihad – Struggle or Exertion for the Faith

  9. Jihad “Struggle or exertion” for the cause of faith • Should not be translated “Holy War” • Both internal (personal) and external (political) • Internal jihad more important than external jihad,in the opinion of most moderate Muslims • Concept is accepted by all Muslims,but not considered a “pillar” by all • See Qur’an 2:190-193

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