Blog Post 27 - The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and
practice of the Islamic faith?
The Shahada pronounces the two main tenets of Islam, God's monotheism and Muhammad being his prophet. This is central because it outlines that there is one God and Muhammad is the prophet who outlines everything Muslims must do in order to submit to Allah. According to Muslims, this pronouncement answers all questions and is said often. The Muslim identity is monotheism and the practice was taught by Muhammad the prophet.

2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to
live in obedience to the will of Allah?
Muslims are encouraged to be in a constant state of prayer so that they are never distracted from God. Salat is the opportunity to pray and show physical submission to Allah in the prayer five times a day. Mentally, Muslims are constantly focused on God and Salat outlines a physical ritual to accompany their prayer and show total submission.

3. In what ways does the practice of zakat influence Muslims as a community of
faith? In other words, what does this practice say about the Muslim community
and its commitment to the poor and marginalized?
Muslims recognize the people in need through their faith because there is a pillar of faith that directly deals with the poor. It influences them to help those in need and form a close community. This practice shows that the Muslims are devout and show a constant commitment to the poor.

4. How does the practice of sawm both mentally and physically help a Muslim to
live in obedience to the will of Allah?
Muslims fast during Sawm and believe that the fasting makes them think and practice self-discipline all in order to live in obedience. Fasting in the physical approach and the fasting leads to a greater mental reflection, fulfilling the mental approach.

5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice
similar and different from other world religions?
The Hajj completes all the mental and physical practice that a Muslim does. It provides Muslims with a tangible shrine and part of history affirming their faith in Muhammad and Allah. The pilgrimage often makes Muslims more devout and consumed in their religion. This is unique because most other religions do not have a place that so many people congregate at least once in their lifetime and retrace the footsteps of the founder. But it is similar to things like the vatican and the trips people make there or the birth place of Jesus or Siddhartha, all in order to strengthen devotion and feel the presence of God.

6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in relationship to
the Five Pillars?
Balancing a constant devotion to Allah and having a job, family, kids, and parents to care for.
-mainly that because praying and charity become so woven in with daily life that it isn't an inconvenience when you are devout to Allah. But it still might be hard to balance relationships with others when you are so constantly focused on your relationship with God.