ISLAM

Islam, as the world’s second largest religion having a heritage of 1,400 years, will surely have its
traditions and values maintained by its believers, the Muslims, which then helped it secure a stable
footing and be able to prosper to what it has become in the present. These traditions and values of Islam,
although mainly practiced by the Muslims, also have similarities to other religions like Christianity and
Judaism. However, to further understand Islam, this paper will focus on what core beliefs only the
Muslims have rather than the similarities of practices with Christians and Jews with the aim to analyze the
significance of these said beliefs in their life.
The most important religious practices of Islam (submission; straight path to God) is based on its
foundation, the five pillars of Islam to which the Muslim society should adhere. The first pillar, Shahadah
(Kalimatu Shahada), is about the declaration of faith through confessing (verbally) that “There is no god
but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. This simple but meaningful phrase emphasizes the
monotheistic nature of Islam wherein only “Allah” has the right to be worshipped and that it is Him and
Him alone. This belief being the first pillar underscores the purpose of Muslims which is to show their
reverence and esteem for the One True God then to abide by the example of the Prophet Muhammad by
performing their duties and obeying these practices. Also, as what was mentioned in the film Inside Islam,
by uttering the said words, one may actually be able to convert to Islam, clearly showing just how much
they value both the phrase and its meaning. The second pillar is the need to pray five times a day which is
known as Salat. Prayers can be done almost anywhere at specific times of the day. This pillar acts as a
constant reminder to the Muslims about their duty to Allah that is to worship Him at all times and to have
a connection with Him. In addition, Muhammad* mentioned that prayer is a means of finding comfort.
He even said that just like how a person who bathed five times a day would not have any filth; Allah also
wipes away sins with the five daily prayers. This indicates that Muslims believe that the connection they
have with Allah is mutual. The faith being shown to Him in return gives Muslims inner happiness and
peace of mind. The devotion to both their religion by adhering to the practices and to Allah by dedicating
time for Him five times every day stresses just how much Muslims’ lives are centered to these beliefs and
how gravely these beliefs must affect them. The third pillar, Zakat, focuses on the benevolence of
Muslims for their fellow especially to those in need. By providing about 2.5% of what they have, they
demonstrate charity and provide help to those who have not. This strengthens brotherhood between
Muslims and returns their focus to Allah, not on making money. Also, it lets them be compassionate and
empathetic of their fellow and allows them to remember His graces. Nonetheless, what about those who
cannot give and have nothing? Will this mean that they cannot abide by the third pillar and are exempted?
The answer is actually no. Once more, Muhammad* stated that even a greeting of a cheerful face is an act
of charity likewise to urge others to do good and to do good himself. Muslims greatly believe that
kindness is also an act of charity and is not limited to financial giving. Sacramental fasting (Saum), the
fourth pillar, happens during the holy month of Ramadan in which sick, injured, young, elderly and
expected mothers are exempted. Just like Zakat, fasting is a way of reflecting of the gifts of life and to see
the state of others. It is seeing oneself while taking into account the situation of those around you. By
putting oneself in the shoes of others, one can experience the hunger the poor people experience and be
reminded of how fortunate they actually are. How about the poor? Do they not deserve to feel blessed and
fortunate? Islam teaches the endurance of suffering with hope and faith. The faithful will not resist nor
doubt, they believe that it is His will and that one will not be given something he cannot endure. The
suffering, hunger, thirst and pain, are all but a calling to remind people of Him and also be reminded of
what is important.* Lastly, Hajj or the pilgrimage is the fifth pillar which is to have a journey to Mecca at
least once in their lifetime if a Muslim is physically and economically able. All pilgrims wear special
simple clothes to strip away distinction of class and culture so as to let everyone stand equally before
Allah. This brings every Muslims together regardless of color, race, and culture which then strengthens
the brotherhood among them and gives them a sense of belonging. The Hajj also instills the meaning of
sacrifice and patience. In conclusion, the five pillars of Islam have become a way of life of Muslims for
these said pillars acted as guide on how their everyday life shall proceed with the religious devotion as the
center of it. These pillars also deeply give emphasis to the importance of the phrase “faith in action”.
Furthermore, the five pillars demonstrate that the Muslims put venerating Allah above everything else
followed by the charitable deed of lending a hand to the deprived.
Sources/ References: (marked with asterisk)
Muhammad:
 http://islamicpamphlets.com/the-five-pillars-of-islam
Other references:
 https://www.whyislam.org/islamicteachings/the-five-pillars-of-islam/
 https://www.metmuseum.org/learn/educators/curriculum-resources/art-of-the-islamic-world/unit-
one/the-five-pillars-of-islam
 https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/cultures-religions-ap-arthistory/a/the-
five-pillars-of-islam
 https://www.whyislam.org/allah/god/nature-of-suffering/

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Islam, as the world’s second largest religion having a heritage of 1,400 years, will surely have its

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