The basic essentials in The Practice of Islam are summed up in the five pillars of faith. 1. The confession of faith (Shaháda), i.e. the recitation of the Kalima (= word). There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger (apostle) of Allah. 2. Prayer (Salat) [in arab. the t at the end is not pronounced]. This is the duty of every Muslim (able to do so). The prescribed ritual prayers five times daily, at prescribed times, with the prescribed posture, have to be observed. During these five prayers a fixed prayer-text must be recited seventeen times altogether (twice in the morning; four times at noon; four times in the afternoon; three times in the evening and four times at night). This is called by many Persian and Indian Muslims namaz. The wording of this prayer is found in the appendix. 3. The giving of alms (Zakat) [again the t is not pronounced] is a religious duty and should amount to not less than 2.5% of the income above ones needs. 4. Keeping the Fast during the month of Ramadaan (Sawm) is a duty for all, except the sick, travellers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. The fast is to last from the rising of the sun until sunset. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is required once in a lifetime during the month of Zul- Hijjah, if the means allow this. There is also a minor pilgrimage (Umra), which is performed at other times. We ought to realize that very considerable cost is involved in a pilgrimage, quite apart from the travel fare.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 06:30:36 +0000
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