Why 5 Pillars Are Essential To My Faith (By Moustapha Gueye)

The 5 pillars of Islam are essential to the Islamic faith and the core of Islamic beliefs and traditions. The Shahada (Faith) is the declaration of faith, affirming that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet. It is the central creedal statement of Islam. Saying the Shahada is your entry into Islam; literally every Muslim has performed their Shahada. This is a big part where the concept of intent comes in. Just saying the Shahada doesn't mean anything; you have to say it and fully believe it in your heart. In Islam, intent is everything. The Quran (33:5) states, “There is no blame on you for what you do by mistake, but only for what you do intentionally. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” This means God can only judge you for what you can control. This idea of intention benefits the Islamic community because it allows you to be aware of your actions and think before you act.

Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers are known as Salah, and they serve as a direct connection between the worshiper and Allah. Aside from prayer, having something you do every single day at specific times without fail, no matter what, instills so much discipline, which I believe is very important and essential for everyone to have. In my day-to-day life, it's been much easier to reach the goals I set and accomplish what I want because of this trait I have gained. Personally, prayer brings me peace and comfort and takes me away from the troubles I deal with physically and mentally.

Zakat (Charity): Zakat is the practice of giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need, typically calculated as 2.5% of one's savings and wealth annually. It is meant to purify one's wealth and help those less fortunate. Zakat is something that a lot of people do, even non-Muslims, and it does bring out the best in people and helps them get out of their own arrogant and selfish ways. This specifically benefits the Muslim community because it helps foster a community that isn't about money or wealth but who you are and what you bring to the table.

Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. Fasting is seen as a means of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and empathy with the less fortunate. Many people have misconceptions about Ramadan and what it means. Besides fasting, Ramadan is a time when Muslims get closer to their deen (faith), friends, and family. This is very beneficial to the Islamic community because it brings people together through a common connection of fasting, instills discipline, and strengthens faith in the religion and Allah.

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. It occurs annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The pilgrimage includes various rituals such as circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing in vigil on the plains of Arafat. This is very important as it sets a goal and something to look forward to, as you normally go when you're older since selection is so limited now. Going to Mecca, seeing the places where all the stories from the Quran happened, visiting the Kaaba, and seeing Cave Hira completes a person, especially one with strong faith and belief in the religion.

The 5 pillars of Islam shape the character of Muslims into polite, disciplined, mature, and strong-minded people. The sense of community in Islam, knowing that any one of these people has your back wholeheartedly and will help you without expecting anything in return, is powerful and beautiful.