Journey Along the Silk Road

Appendix A: The Five Pillars

By Karima Diane Alavi  - June, 2003

Shahadah  (Witness)

"I bear witness that there is no deity except God, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

With this declaration of faith a person joins the rest of the world's Muslims in stating that there is only one God, and that Muhammad is his Prophet. This also indicates belief in a long line of prophets prior to Prophet Muhammad in the history of Islam (submission to the will of God.)

Salah  (Formal Worship)

With this obligation to participate in formal prayer five times per day, (before sunrise, midday, afternoon, immediately after sunset, and at night) a Muslim is assured of "remembering God" from morning till night. This enables a Muslim to step back from his or her daily activities and reflect on things of a spiritual nature. Prayers can be said within a large group or alone. The formal prayer is usually followed by a personal prayer.

Zakah  (Almsgiving Tax)

Zakah is an annual tax of 2.5% on excess wealth which is collected from those who are eligible. Some of this money is used for support of travelers, poor people and other beneficiaries. This is an act of worship which offers an opportunity to purify one's wealth (to avoid greed and arrogance which can accompany wealth) and to give thanks to God for one's material well being.

Sawm  (Fasting during Ramadan)

Muslims fast from food and water from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Fasting helps to develop the strength to control temptation and learn self-restraint; it offers a time of reflection and commitment to one's religious faith, and builds compassion for those who must go hungry out of need during the entire year. Children start fasting when they feel they are ready. They frequently begin fasting in stages, rather than fasting the entire month on their first try.

Hajj  (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

Muslims who are financially and physically able are expected to go on the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. This journey is meant to reaffirm the individual's commitment to Islam as they take the opportunity to leave the secular world behind and to participate in the world's largest annual gathering. While in Mecca they perform a series of rites which commemorate Abraham, his wife Hajar and their son Ishma'il (who helped the prophet Abraham build the Ka'bah, a cubical structure in Mecca considered to be the first house of worship dedicated to the One God.)