Jordan,
I am sure there are various of threads and articles around the database of this forum and many other sites that corrolate with Islam, but I will try my utmost best to give you a overview of our 5 pillars, insha'Allaah you will gain some information from them and hopefully it may open your path into Islam
.It is reported on the authority of Ibn 'Umar(Allah be pleased with him) that Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him) narrated: "The edifice of Islam rests on five(things):i)Testimony to the fact that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His bondman as well Envoy; ii)establishment of prayer iii)payment of Zakat iv)performance of Hajj and v)Fasting during the month of Ramadhan.
The first and most vital pillar is our faith:La ilaha illa-Allah( there is no god but Allah). That is the first part of the declaration of the Islamic faith. He is our SUpereme Lord,Master and our Sustainer. He responds to the invocations of those who invoke him. He gives us life and causes death. Our Prophet Muhammad(On whom be the blessings of Allah) is the second part of the declaration of Faith: our worship towards Allah is to be performed in accordance with the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). He is the Apostle of Allah m whom through the supreme relevation of our Lord has been vouchsafed to the entire human race and jinns in the form of the Sacred Book that you may have heard of, The Holy Quran which contains all the rules and regulations that is regarding every single aspect of our lives.
Allah has enjoined upon us believers to offer prayers;this act of worship is the basic requirement of Islam.Prayer is an act of vital importance to nourish the soul as good is essential for the maintenance of our human body. The objective of praying it to root deeply in the human heart the seed of the realization of Allah and awaken his consciousness. When we pray, we hold confidential commuinion with our Lord and feel the Divine Presence as a reality with a firm conviction that yes we can approach Him. Prayer adopted as a ritual and performed carelessly devoid of concentration is not prayer offered in the real sense as the Holy Quran affirms " Woe unto worshippers who are heedless of their Prayer."
Zakat is on of the chief pillars on which the grand edifice of Islam rests. It is incumbent upon the Musliims that earn enough to give away a part of their wealth for the benefit of the more needy and poor.The spirit of our obedience is tested as prayer and fasting as you know, the third test is required that our religion deminds of us to sacrifice our property. Zakat,not only serves the purpose or eradicating the inequalities created by the modern world and capitalism but it is a means of fostering the sentiments of brotherhood. The only pure motive in paying zakat and doing a charitable act should be pure nad unadulterated for the love of Allah. He who with pleasure spends benevolently on the poor creation,wins the favour and pleasure of Allah as the Quran affirms this by saying, " Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend that which ye love."
The fourth pillar in Islam, Hajj. The word in Arabic literally means "repairing to a place for the sake of visit.It has been made compulsory for those who are major,sane,healthy and can afford the expenses. The Holy Quran says: "And Pilgrimage to the House(of Allah) is a duty unto Allah for mankind,for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth(let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures."
The final pillar in Islam is fasting in the month of Ramdhan,which we are currently in. Fasting is a course of training once in a year for a continuous period of one lunar month during the time where every believer gets the opportunity of his moral,spiritual,social elevation. It noursihes the man, the quality of self-discipline and intensifies God-consciousness, it strengthens our faith of Allahs Sovereignty. It strengthens the power of patience,endurance and steadfastness. It suppresses our animal like passions and enriches the good sentiments.
Insha'Allaah that will help you understand the five pillars of Islam more clearly. If you want I can expand on them with the little knowledge I have, may Allah guide you to the right path," The decision rests with Allah only,Who hath commanded you that ye worship none save him. This is the right religion." May Allah also allow all of us to strive to become the best Muslims we can for our society and family,ameen.
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