Five Pillars Of Sunni Islam Flashcards
What are the 5 pillars of sunni Islam
Shahadah
Salah
Zakah
Sawm
Hajj
When is the shahadah
Throughout the day it is announced in the adhan (call to prayer)
Recited in each of the 5 times of prayer
It is the first words whispered into a new born babies ear and the last words spoken into the ears of the dying
Soldiers have it on their lips in battle
Why is the shahadah important
States central belief of Muslims in one true God who is one
It shows Muslims reject polytheism or atheism
It denies the Christian belief in trinity
Reciting it means conversion to Islam
What is salah
Second pillar of Islam
Duty of all Muslims to pray 5 times a day facing Makkah a physical mental and spiritual activity that draws believers close to God
Includes a sequence of movement (rak’ah) following a set pattern
Set pattern of salah
1) stand quietly reciting prayers from the Quran
2) bow low, with hands on knees
3) prostrate on the floor in submission to God
4) kneel with feet folded under body
5) stand reciting prayers once to the right and once to the left
When is salah performed
After preparation (entering Gods presence requires respect and reverence) after declaring intention (niyyah) to deliberately focus on God
After wudu (washing specific parts of body ; hands mouth nose face arms head and feet
Outward signs of inner cleanliness needed 5 times a day
What are the times of day salah is performed called
Fajr (after dawn)
Zuhr (midday)
As’r (afternoon)
Maghrib (sunset)
Isha (after dark)
On Fridays at the mosque for jumu’ah (congregational) prayers
Why is salah important
Reminds believers to give thanks for Gods blessings
Sign of submission to Gods will
A constant reminder of gods presence
Cleanses the corruption of the world
What is zakah
The third pillar of faith
2.5% tax of wealth
The practice of charity may be spent on giving money to the poor the needy and travellers
A duty to share good fortune received and not hoard it selfishly
It is closely associated with prayer and is an obligation and a form of worship
When is zakah given
Every year as a duty but also at other times voluntarily as (sadaqh) which is any good deed
Done out of compassion or generosity
Why is zakah important
God will reward believers for their acts of giving
It is a sign of cleansing and purity
It is an opportunity to share wealth as well as offering people a means of purification
All humans are khalifahs so are stewards or trustees of the world
What is sawm
The fourth pillar of faith
Fasting during the month of Ramadan
A time of dedication to self discipline and spiritual reflection
It is refraining from eating drinking smoking and sexual activity from dawn till dusk for one month
It is also abstaining from evil thoughts harmful actions and unkind speech
What special meal is eaten before dawn
Suhar
What is the meal at dusk to break fast called
Iftar meal often including dates and water before a bigger shared meal
Activities done by Muslims during Ramadan
Gather at the mosque for extra night prayers (which include reading sections of the Quran so that the whole thing is read by the end of the month)
All Muslims attend the 27th day of Ramadan
