Five Pillars of Islam

                                                            The Five Pillars of Islam

Watch each of the Videos and provide answers to the questions;

Use this website to answer question one; (Name each Pillar)

Pillar #1: Shahadah-Faith

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? They say the declaration to make the profession of faith an an entry to islam.

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?Because you can’t be a Muslim without saying it.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2:Salah-prayer

• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray. Everyone must wash their face, hands and feet then they lay a rug on the floor to be clean. If there is no available water you are allowed to use clean dirt.

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray? 5 times a day, at dawn, mid-afternoon, right after sunset and before they go to bed.

• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like?  Singing. The movements include, head to the floor, hands in surrendering pose and hands cuffing eachother.

• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way? In the direction of Mecca because that it considered to be the place where Islam began.

• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?  ‘Allahu Akbar: God is greater.’

• Why do Muslims pray?To show respect to Allah.

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3:Zakaat - donating

• What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat? Obligatory giving to charity. Emphasized on feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping those in need.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes?  They are expected to donate 2.5% of their income. They do this because of tradition and they believe it is a gift.

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?Muslim’s believe you will be rewarded by Allah if you help those in need.

• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?Because it supposed to free oneself from the love of possessions and greed and to benefit the giver as well as the receiver.

Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Ramadan/sawm

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? It means to go without food, sex or smoking. Muslims believe that it is a way of purifying your soul.

• Why do Muslims fast?  It is a mandatory pillar for Islam. It gives them a good feeling to be able to give to the people in need. To share the feelings with the poor.

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr?  Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. This is when Muslims dress up and visit the mosque for prayer and visit and have meals with family and friends.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: Hajj - Pilgramage

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj?
   At least once in their lifetime if health and finances permit.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj?  They travel to Mecca.

• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place.  It is a big square in the middle of Mecca. Thousands gather around Kaaba and pray together towards the square building.

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj? Over 2 million.

• What is the goal of Hajj?  To submit yourself to the attributes of God.

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments? The special garments are white, which is a very pure colour. They must not engage in marital relations, shave or cut their nails, use cologne or scented oils, kill or hunt anything, fight or argue, women must not cover their faces, even if they would do so in their home country, men may not wear clothes with stitching and bathing is allowed by scented soaps are frowned upon.

• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?He is very focused and not bothered by others.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?One of the first things Abraham did was he went on the first pilgrimage from Ur to Canaan. Abraham is one of the first recorded leaders of the Hebrews in the bible.