Islam :: essays research papers

The five pillars      The Five Pillars of Islam are the structure of Muslim religion. They are the testimony of faith, prayer, giving, refrain during the month of Ramadan, and if you are lucky the excursion to Makkah once in a lifetime. The first pillar, entitled the testament of faith, exploits the Belief in one God, Allah, whom constitutes the very cosmos of Islam. Prayer is the next pillar of Islam. Prayers do not take more than five minutes and are required five times daily. In prayer, a person feels inner happiness, peace, and a direct connection between the worshipper and Allah. Giving Zakat, other known as supporting the needy, is the third pillar of Islam. Initially, Zakat was the yield that altered Muhammads views of the world and turned him into a political figure. Fasting for the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Even the Quran states, "O you who believe desist is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn Taqwa" (Quran 2183). Ramadan consists of fasting from dawn until sundown while concurrently abstaining from food, drink, and sexual contact.      Finally, the pilgrimage to Mecca is the last pillar.Although these conditions seem intense, there are actually many benefits to these submitters. The temptations of the world seem to erase our understanding for religion and g-d. Fasting will remind you of what has been give down to us. Ramadan can draw one closer to g-d by seclusion from the surrounding world. Ramadan will help achieve a willingness to give to the needy. Now you ease up been in their shoes and understand how it feels. Understanding discipline is important, since g-d has given us a free will, and the torture of Ramadan is a great reminder of how to view life. In the Quran one can find references to ritual prayer or salat. Holy Quran 2149 "From whencesoever thou startest forth turn thy face in the vigilance of the Sacred Mosque t hat is indeed the truth from thy Lord.