3.1 The Five Pillars of IslamSpecialist term Definition

ISLAM

MUSLIM

ALLAH

SHAHADAH

SALAH

ZAKAH

SAWM

KA’BAH

HAJJ

MAKKAH

MEDINA

RAMADAN

MASJID

MUHAMMAD

QUR’AN

UMMAH

1. Shahadah (The 1 st pillar)

The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. Shahadah is the declaration, “There is no god but Allah and Prophet

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Muhammad, is the (final) Messenger of Allah.” Shia add these words into their declaration (Ali is the friend of Allah and the successor of Prophet Muhammad). All the rest pillars are simply an outward expression of its meaning which is why the other four pillars are signs of Ibadah (worship).This is the central pillar even though it is the only ‘non-action’ pillar. Iman (faith) provides the central pillar that sustains the whole structure. ‘A person joins the fold of Islam by honestly believing in and professing faith in the unity of God and the Prophet-hood of Muhammad.’(Khurshid Ahmed)

The 1st part of Shahadah - Tawhid

It attests the Oneness of Allah and it rejects both Polytheism and all sorts of shirk. The Shahadah reminds Muslims that there is no way that Muhammad can be regarded on a par with God.

The words of Shahadah are repeated many times a day in the prayer ritual, announced five times a day in Adhan (call for prayer). Muslim fathers whisper the words into the ears of their new-born child. In the first surah of the Qur'an it says, "You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help." Surah 112: "Say, He is Allah, the One. The eternally besought by all. He begetteth not, nor was He begotten. And there is no one comparable to Him." [S:112] "Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most evil indeed." [S4:48] The Holy Prophet, is reported to have said: "Shirk is the greatest of all sins."

“The word ‘Allah’, according to the several lexicons, means ‘the Being who comprises all the attributes of perfection’. Thus the word denotes perfection and knowledge and the best qualities. This meaning is supported by the Qur’an when It says, ‘His are the best (most beautiful) names’.” (S17:110). (Mona Siddiqui- ‘50 Islam Ideas Really Need To Know’, p4 &5)

“For Muslims, belief in an Omniscient Creator and Merciful God is the fundamental tenet of one’s faith. The Qur’an, the primary religious text of Islam is God-cantered; the ‘I’ or ‘We’ in the Qur’an is God speaking. God is the Creator, God is Judge and God is Mercy. The Oneness of God is the essence of Islamic monotheism or Tawhid.” (Mona Siddiqui; ‘50 Islam Ideas Really Need To Know’, p4 &5)

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Shi’a Muslims add to the Shahadah ‘and I bear witness that Ali was the friend of God’.

2nd part of Shahadah – (Risalah; Prophet-hood):

The next basic requirement is to believe in all the Prophets of Allah. The Qur'an says: "He who obeys the messengers obeys Allah." [S4:80] Allah sent prophets in different periods of time to communicate His guidance with human beings. They were raised from the nation in which they were sent to preach for.

Prophet Muhammad, is the final Messenger of God. No prophet shall come after him. He was sent for all mankind as he said: “Every prophet before me was sent for his own people but I am sent for all mankind.” (Hadith)

“Islam’s central character is Muhammad. With a number of descriptions, including ‘Messenger of God’, ‘the blessed Prophet’ and ‘God’s beloved’, Muhammad is not just any prophet in a long line of historical prophets, rather He is the Prophet, the last chosen prophet to be the recipient of the last divine revelation.” (Mona Siddiqui- ‘50 Islam Ideas Really Need To Know’ p8)

Further independent research: Read the book ‘Islam’ by V.W. Watson pages 31-33 on the first pillar of Islam. Explore the significance of Shahadah in Islam.

Salah (The 2 nd pillar)

Write definitions of the specialist terms:

Adhan

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1. Explore the significance of Shahadah in Islam. [8]

2. ‘There is no god but God’. Assess the claim. [12]

MuezzinWudu Niyyah Imam Juma prayerQiblah–Ka’bahMasjidFajr Zohr Asr Maghrib IshaKhutbah DuaFatiha Eid prayerJanazah paryer Tarawih prayer

Obligation:

The Qur’an says, ‘Set up Regular Prayers; for such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times’. (s4 v103)

One of the pillars which shows clearly relationship between Qur’an and Sunna. The Qur’an says that you must pray at fixed times;

‘Establish regular prayers - at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony. And pray in the small watches of the morning: (it would be) an additional prayer.’ (Qur’an: s17 v78)

The ritual prayer is based on a mixture of what Qur’an says and how Prophet Muhammad actually carried out the ritual.

‘Salah is the pillar of the Islamic religion and whenever abandons it, demolishes the very pillar of religion.’ (hadith)

Muslim scholars regarded Salah as the most important of practical pillars, ‘The prayers and all other prescribed forms of worship for that matter, serve to

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distinguish those who really have faith and wish sincerely to serve God from those who are content with lip-service.’ (Mustafa Ahmed al’Zarqa)

The features of Salah

1. Times for the 5 daily prayers are:

1. Fajr (between dawn and sunrise)

2. Zohr (After mid-day until afternoon)3. Asr (Between late afternoon and sunset)4. Maghrib (Evening prayer is when the sun

sets.5. Isha (Between sunset and dawn)

All mosques have a board with six clocks showing times of prayers including Juma (Friday) prayer.

The prayers involve a series of standing up, bowing and prostrating. Men should pray at mosques whenever possible. Women do not have to go to mosques – they are encouraged to pray at home. Once a Muslim reaches 10 years of age – they must start to pray.

2. Adhan

The time of congregational prayer is announced by a Muezzin who calls out adhan;

Allah is the Greatest- (4 times). I bear witness that there is no god but God- (twice). I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God-(twice). Rush to prayer-(twice). Rush to success-(twice) + For Fajr prayer ‘Salah is better than sleep’- (twice). Allah is the Greatest-(twice). There is no god but God- (once)

3. Wudu- Ritual washing

Prayer is the most sacred moment of life when a Muslim comes into direct contact with God. So a Muslim must perform Wudu (ritual washing) in order to pray their Salah, otherwise it will not be accepted by God. Ghusl is a form of major ablution (complete bath), which is compulsory after having acts of sexual nature and it is Sunnah to perform before Friday prayer.

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A Muslim preferably should go to mosque for congregational prayer, ‘Bow down your heads with those who bow down in worship.’ (s2 v43) but prayer can be performed anywhere on a clean surface.

4. Ka’bah - Qiblah

All Muslims face the Ka’bah in Makkah when they pray. They use a compass on it showing the direction of Makkah (South East from UK). There is a mihrab (niche) in every mosque showing the direction of K’abah.

5. Various Positions

Niyyah (intention), Standing (Qiyam) raising hands to ears saying takbir (Allah is the greatest) and folded, reciting surah 1, Bow down on knees (Ruku) glorify Allah, Prostrate (Sujud) on the floor and touch forehead on ground and glorify Allah and Sitting (Julus)to recite specific prayers and turning face right and left by saying ‘peace be upon you’.

Juma-Friday prayer

In Sura 62:10, it is commanded in the Qur’an to have a big congregational weekly prayer on Friday that replaces Zuhr. It is performed in cities with at least 40 adults and Imam delivers a sermon on various teachings of Islam. In a Muslim state Head of state should lead this prayer. Men and women both can prayer by separate arrangements.

Other types of Salah - Prayers

Janaza-funeral prayer, Eid al Fitr prayer and Eid al Adha prayer- two annual festivals, 1) At the end of the month of Ramadhan and 2) after Hajj , Tarawih prayer – extra Night prayer in the ,month of Ramadhan. There are Supplications- Duas to ask for help/forgiveness and other voluntary, extra prayers are called Nafl.

The image of God through prayers:

God is Holy and Exalted; (‘O Allah glory and praise are for You and blessed is Your Name and exalted is Your Majesty’). God is the ‘All-Powerful’; bow down/prostrate to show submission-repeated in Salah,”Allah is the Greatest”.

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Takbir Qiyam

Ruku Sujud Julus

The Real Guide to Muslims – 20 times repeated in daily prayers. ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan’. Allah is Only One - 15 times in Adhan, and repeated many times in Salah. God is the Great and Wonderful, Compassionate, (Surah 1 must be recited) and it is the direct communication between God and servant.

Shi’as prayer differs from Sunnis as they prostrate onto dust or earth or preferably a block of baked mud from Karbala.

Scholars:

‘The Salah makes possible the integration of the worshiper’s whole being in the state of perfect servitude to God’….. ‘The Salah is the spiritual ascent of the faithful (believers)’. (S H Nasr; Islam Religion History and Civilization)

‘The relationship between faith and rituals is a paradox. To the outsider, ritual is the most obvious sign of the character of a religion and the identity of its believers. Yet ritual can never quite capture faith, for faith transcends form and imagery. In Islam, the most central ritual is prayer, observed in the five-times- daily prayers called Salat. Many might say that, in turning to Gods in any kind of prayer, human beings experience a little taste of eternity.’ (Mona Siddiqui, 50 Ideas to know…. Islam)

Zakah (The 3 rd pillar)

What is Zakah?

Zakah is an obligatory duty of Islam: Muslims believe that wealth is given by God, it must be shared for the benefits of humanity as a part of ibadah. Zakah began in Medina; ‘They ask thee what they should spend. Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good,-(Allah) knoweth it well.’ (s2 v215)

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Explore the significance of Salah in for Muslims. [8]

Explore the practice of Salah in Islam. [8]

‘Zakat al fitr’ is paid to the destitute before Muslims festival to let them share the celebration. ‘Zakah al Adha’ sacrifice meat for the poor. Sadaqah is a voluntary charity as an act of giving from compassion, love or generosity.

Zakah is closely connected with Salah. The word Zakah means ‘purification’ – wealth can be an evil thing without being spent in the name of God. “It is source of securing purification…..Both prayers and zakah are calculated to purify men” (A K Brohi) The Prophet Muhammad said, ‘Protect your property by giving Zakah and help your relatives to recover from disease by giving charity’. (Hadith)

Zakah is also a religious duty and a sign of submission to God. The Qur’an does not specify how much so Muslims need to refer to Sunnah to know the exact process of paying Zakah.

How Zakah is worked out?

The minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they become eligible to pay Zakat is called Nisab. This amount is often referred to as the Nisab threshold. Gold and silver are the two values used to calculate the Nisab threshold. The Nisab is the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver . This applies to cash, bank savings and jewellery as well. The Qur’an does not specify how much exactly should be paid; “Whatever ye spend is good” (s2 v215). Contribution of savings for trader is 2.5% after a year, agricultural Zakah is 10% of produce, non-irrigated land 5%, Cattle Zakah vary from animal to animal. Shi’a Muslims give 1/5th (20%) of their savings to their Imam which is called Khums, which means they don’t calculate as above. Muslim charity organisations collect zakah and sadaqa in the UK& EU.

The importance of Zakah:

Zakah is a religious duty performed regularly, this is not charity, Sharing and distribution of wealth as a gift of God and a sign of Muslim brotherhood. All Muslim states must enforce Zakah to narrow the gap between rich and poor. This cleanses their money and possessions from excessive desire or greed. It serves humanity and promotes good and justice around the world. “Zahah is commanded 32 times in the Qur’an”. (50 Ideas of Islam; M Siddiqui)

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The Qur’an emphasises Zakah, “Have you seen the one who denies the Judgement to come? Then such is the man who repulses the orphan and encourages not the feeding of the indigent.” (s107 v1-3)

The Prophet said, ‘He is not a believer who eats his full while his neighbour remains hungry by his side’. (Hadith)

Who deserves Zakah?

Zakah is paid to; help the poor; the needy (orphans, widows and homeless); those who are employed to collect Zakah; those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to the Truth (converts); to free the captives- slaves; to release the people who are under bondage and debt and to the needy travellers / wayfarers. (The Qur’an;S9:V60)

Quotes: a). ‘Give from your wealth to relatives, orphans, and to the needy…’ (The Qur’an) b). He who eats and drinks whilst his brother is hungry is not one of us (true believer). (Hadith)

c). ‘Zakat, commonly translated as ‘almsgiving’ or ‘alms tax,’ is the third pillar of Islam Prayer and Zakat are frequently mentioned in the Qu’ran as the two principal obligations in Islam. Zakat is not meant to be a solitary act, given in some void from one believer to another; it was always seen as the concrete expression of faith (iman) to help the poor and needy, and to contribute to social justice in the Muslim community.’ (Mona Siddiqui, 50 Ideas to know…ISLAM)

Sawm (the 4 th pillar)

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast from dawn till dusk. Fasting means to abstain or refrain from all types of evil actions which displease God. Allah commands in the Quran; "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become God-fearing." (s2:v183)

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Assess Muslim response to poverty. [12]

Ramadan is the time when the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad. This time begins on the night the first verses were revealed, a night known as 'The Night of Power which falls within the last 10 days of the month. Most importantly Ramadan reveals and strengthen the unity of Muslim community and draw them closer to God.When the crescent of the month is seen, 1st of Ramadhan. Muslims follow Lunar calendar so it moves 10 days back each year. Timings are vary from season to season. They must not fast on eid al fitr or eid al adha.

Activities:

o Suhoor - Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day. o Aftaar - breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily

prayer). o Ziarat - Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with

neighbours, friends, and the poor. o Tarawih – Extra congregational Prayers at early night. o Tilawat – Recitation of the Qur’ãn during free time. o Iti’kaaf - Retreat staying in Mosque last 10 days of Ramadhan.

During fasting they must not eat, drink or smoke, the inhalation of anything that gives energy to body and sexual intercourse.

Who has to fast?

An adult and healthy Muslim must fast but very old, weak, sick people, a pregnant, and breast feeding women or on menstruation, and a Muslim who is on a long journey are excused. The travellers after returning home, the ill Muslims when they are in good health and women after having finished with menstruation periods must fast later in the year before next Ramadan.

Quotes: “Fasting is the Shield” (against Satan /evil actions). (Hadith)

The Prophet Muhammad said that God said, “Fasting for ME And I will give its reward by Myself”. (Hadith)

‘It also requires abstention from all sexual activity and all illicit acts as designated by Shari’ah.’ Moreover, the fast requires keeping one’s mind and tongue away from evil thoughts and words and being especially considerate to the destitute. (S H Nasr)

‘The practice is outwardly reflected in an abstention from food or drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset.’ (Mona Siddiqui)

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Shia fast is same as Sunnis but it ends after the sunset when it is completely dark. They mourn on the 20th of Ramadhan for 3 days as Ali was martyred on 20th.

Hajj the 5 th pillar

Specialist terms:

Umrah

Hajj

Makkah

Ihram

Tawaf

Sai Safa Marwa

Talbiya

Arafat

Muzdalifah

Mina

Rami Jamarat

Zamzam

Eid al Adha

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Explore the religious significance of Sawm-fasting in the month of Ramadan for Muslims. [8]

The Qur’an:

“And proclaim the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot, and on every transport. They will come from every distant point……… Then let them perform their acts of cleansing, and fulfil their vows, and circle around the Ancient House.” (Qur’an s22:v27,29)

Hadith: ‘Hajj is the gate of paradise’.

Scholars: ‘This rite (Hajj), instituted by Abraham and revived by the Prophet of Islam, involves circumambulation around the Ka’bah, certain movements, prayers, and the sacrifice of an animal in Makkah and adjoining areas according to the norms established by the Prophet. The Hajj signifies a return both to the spiritual centre of the Islamic universe and the temporal origin of the human state itself’. (S H Nasr)

‘For many Muslims, this is the defining ritual of their lives, the ultimate visual expression of the unity of all believers and their equality in the eyes of God.’ (Mona Siddiqui)

Who has to perform Hajj?

An adult, independent Muslim who has sufficient money (for dependents and travel) and good (physical & mental) health. It is obligatory once in a life time.

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Ihram: During Hajj pilgrims must be in the state of Ihram (the sacred state) which includes; wearing two white unsewn sheets for men only while women wear normal clothes, veils are not worn, not cutting / pulling out any hair from their body. They must refrain from sex, wearing perfumes and rings, entering into contracts or act as witness and killing any insect.

What happens on Hajj?

1. Arrive before the first day of Hajj (7th of Dhul al hijja) in Makkah.

2. Enter the Great Mosque-Makkah and perform Tawaf- walking around the Ka’bah 7 times. Each circuit begins and ends at the line of Hajr e aswad (Black Stone) by kissing / touching, pointing out towards the Ka’bah, washes away sins.

3. Two units of prayer are performed near Maqam e Ibrahim (the memorial of Abraham).

4. The special prayer is called out Talbiya (Here I am O my God. Here I am. No partner hast thou, here am I. Truly the praise and the grace are thine and the empire. No partner hast thou, here am I) It must be said over and over again.

5. The pilgrims leave the Great Mosque via Bab al Safa to perform ‘Sai’ (walking with some jogging around two hills Safa and Marwa’

6. They return for Zohr prayer, in the Mosque Significance of the events of Hajj and advice, given on how to behave.

7. On the 8th of the month of Hajj they go to Mina stay there in contemplation until Isha prayer then they walk by night to Arafat .

8. The 9th of Dhul al Hijja the most important day of the pilgrimage if you miss it you must repeat the Hajj. It is called Wuquf of Arafat, they must stand in the

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plain and confess for their sins to God. Between midday and sunset whilst they confess, the chief Qadi (imam) preaches a sermon.

9. The pilgrims then walk to Muzdalifah, pick pebbles and make their way to Mina next day: They must throw the stones on the 3 pillars shouting ‘Allah Akbar’, is called ‘Rami’.Then they sacrifice to God an animal eat some of the meat / beef and give to poor. Shave the head. This the Day of Eid al Adha.

10. Rami: For the next two days they also stone the pillars and on the 12th of Dhul hijja they are allowed to abandon the ihram and the regulations of Hajj.

11. On the 13th back to Makkah for the Final Tawaf –the Hajj for Sunni Muslims is complete.

The pilgrims then go to visit the grave of Muhammad and His mosque in Medina, but it is not part of Hajj because Hajj is worship of God only.Shi’ites go to visit the grave of Hussain (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad) in Iraq.

What are the reasons for Hajj?

Allah commanded in the Qur’an….so it is obligatory duty of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad performed, so Muslims should follow His Sunnah-footsteps. It is one of the best ways to worship only Allah alone and to show submission. The Hajj rituals are memorials of Allah’s loved ones which proves that religion is not something new, it began from Adam and completed by Muhammad.

Sai, represents the wife of Abraham Hager’s run / walk to look for water for her baby son Ismail around the hills of Safa and Marwa, she returns to her baby and finds Zamzam, the fountain of miraculous water fountain under Ismail’s feet.

Arafat, is a valley where Adam and Eve met each other, confessed their sins, Allah accepted their repentance on the Mount Mercy. So Muslims do the same in the valley of Arafat.

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Mina, The prophet Ibrahim, took his son to sacrifice his son to fulfil God’s command. Satan tempted Ibrahim not to sacrifice his son, he rejected Satan by stoning at him. God sent a ram from heavens to sacrifice, it was only a test of Ibrahim. The Prophet Muhammad built pillars at the 3 places where Satan tempted Ibrahim stoning at the pillars is a symbolic rejection of Satan and sacrifice a ram represents devotion to Allah.

Shi’a go to Makkah, they also make pilgrimage to Shia shrines as Karbala (Hussain’s shrine) and Najaf – Iraq (Ali’s shrine).

3.2 The Ummah

What does Ummah mean?

The Arabic word Ummah is some-times translated as nation, or the worldwide one and united community with common beliefs and practices. All the messengers and Prophets of Allah belonged to one and the same Ummah because they had the same creed, religion, and message.

The Qur’an and hadith:

The believers are but a single brotherhood/sisterhood (Qur'an s49:v10). The term Ummah is mentioned in the Qur’an 62 times – emphasis. The nature of the bond of Iman (faith) which unites the members of the Muslim Ummah and protects them against disunity. The Prophet said, ‘The Muslim is the brother to every other Muslim.’ (hadith)

Establishment of Ummah in Medina 622

The Constitution of Medina which declares the only leadership of Muhammad

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What is the religious significance of the rituals of Hajj?

The Muslims became stronger during their residence in Medina, the Arab Ummah

changed into an Ummah exclusively for Muslims. Muhammad's command to take a

pilgrimage to Makkah, along with the redirection of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah. (s2: v136-147)

Abdullah ibn Ubay the chief hypocrite, rejected by the Ummah because of his conspiracies against Islam.

A Muslim brotherhood between Ansaar (locals) and Muhajirun (emigrants) was established.

Allah states in the Qur’an, ‘And indeed this, your Ummah (nation), is one Ummah (nation), and I am your Lord, so fear Me.’ (s23:v52)

Significance of the concept of Ummah

Islam was the religion of Medina and a Theocracy established. The first pillar of Islam, Tawhid, Shahadah-Declaration of faith represent unity; same words for every Muslim The importance of Ummah is demonstrated by the fact that the obligatory articles of worship provide more rewards for being conducted in together, and in some cases, are required to be conducted in congregation: Salah: Congregational daily prayers have the reward of twenty-seven (or twenty-five) individual prayers, as is clear from the saying of the Prophet Muhammad. Jumua'a (Friday) prayers have to be performed in congregation. Zakah was established to help widows, orphans and poor. Sawm (Fasting) is a group action by the community for the month of Ramadan, as prescribed by Allah. Hajj (Pilgrimage) is a group action by Muslims from all over the world, at a prescribed time, in a prescribed place, to perform a set of prescribed rituals. Muhammad is the best role model for both individuals and the ummah, “the perfect religion revealed to the Prophet” and the verse on “the Seal of the Prophets”. The prayer direction (qiblah) towards Mecca. The change of qiblah from Jerusalem to the Ka’bah in Mecca, for the new Muslim ummah to have a distinctive identity. The Qur’ān describes this new religious community as “justly balanced community” or “the community of the middle path.” The balance and moderation are the identity of Ummah. Muslim ummah is a knowledge-community with knowledge-laden identity characteristics. The two annual Muslim religious festivals – Eid al-Fiṭr and Eid al-Aḍḥā – mentioned in the ḥadīth. Every ummah (community) has its own religious festivals.

Spread:

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After the death of the Prophet, the Ummah gathered momentum and moved outside Arabia: Within a century of the Prophet’s death, Muslim armies conquered Palestine, Syria, Persia, Egypt, and swept across North Africa west and into Spain (711 C.E)

Problems:

The Ummah is divided; a) Religiously: into several schools with stress upon minor issues showing no tolerance to differences; b) Politically: International- division into several states; c) Nationally: dominated by ignorance; and Socially: divided on the basis of tribes, colour, desent, language and places.

The ummah is divided into two major sects. 1). The Sunnis- literally means “traditionalist”. They think of themselves as the guardians of Islamic orthodoxy and tradition. The source and authority is ‘The Qu’ran and the Hadith’. 2). The Shi’a-a rupture in Islam, began over political dispute of leadership of Islam (from death of Husayn, grandson of Muhammad, 680CE).Shi’a say leader of Islam should be the descendent of Muhammad and also theological differences came.

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Evaluate the development of Ummah through the history of the world till today. [30 marks]