Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam
The central belief of Islam is that there is only one God, Allah, who is said to be omnipotent.   In order to become a Muslim each individual has to declare that there is no God but Allah in front of Muslim witnesses.   This belief is reinforced by the five pillars.   Each Pillar represents a way to be purposeful in life, and stay true to the belief of monotheism.   The five pillars of the Islamic belief are faith, prayer, the Zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage.  
Faith is the biggest part of the Muslim religion.   Muslims do not worship anyone but Allah.   They feel that no one but Allah has the right to be worshipped.   Muhammad is seen as a prophet of Allah, but the Muslims do not worship Muhammad.
Prayer is the second on the list of pillars.   Muslims pray five times a day, and at specific times.   These prayers are done at dawn, noon, midafternoon, sunset, and midnight.   These prayers are done in any clean place, but the Islam faith does prefer it to be done at a Mosque in the company of other Muslims.   However work, school, and other activities sometimes prevent this from happening.   The reason that Muslims prefer to be together is to get remind themselves that all Muslims are equal.   Social status, race, or even economic status does not seem to be an issue when everyone is together praying to the same God.   Prayer also helps to purify one’s heart and help to be able to resist the outside world’s temptations.
Fasting is done during the month of Ramadan.   Muslims are required to sustain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity from sunrise to sundown.   This is done so that Muslims can reflect on themselves, and to concentrate on their belief in Allah.   It also helps the Muslims to reflect on those less fortunate than them, and to gain insight on one’s patience, self-restraint, sincerity, and will power.  
The zakat is a form of charity.   Muslims give a percentage of their worth to those in need.   This act is...