In the world, Islam is the second largest religion after Christianity. Arguably, it is the fastest growing in the entire world. In fact, its population is approximately 1.3 billion. The Muslims, who are the followers of the Islam religion, live in almost all the countries in the world. Islam as a religion originated from Arabia, and then spread to other parts of the world, especially southeast and south Asia which carry half of the entire Muslim fraternity. Islam have its origin, believes, ways of worship as well as its principles. In fact, they are guided by five pillars which each adult must observe yearly, monthly, daily as well as at least once in a lifetime.
Actually, the pillars of Islam are referred as pillars because of numerous reasons. They form the core beliefs that are followed by the Muslims. As a matter of fact, it forms the basis of the entire rules and guidelines of Islam religion. Additionally, this five pillars clutch the equal form of sacred traits that the Ten Commandments has in Christianity. The pillars guide Muslims on what they must do so as to be true and faithful to Islam religion (Kamal-Ud, 2009).
The pillars are the core values and beliefs that outline Muslim society, deed, and thoughts. Those individuals, in the Islam religion who fulfill the five pillars, repent and remain in as a Muslim will make to paradise (Shaikh, 1996). They are the pillars because it gives the Muslims obligation to adhere to the essential duties of faith. Actually, the pillar moulds the ethical behaviors and believes of Muslims; in most cases, it draws a line between what is right and wrong (Kamal-Ud, 2009).
In the Islam religion, there are five pillars that are particularly crucial to Muslims. The pillar of Islam comprises the duties and obligations towards Allah. These activities stated in the five pillars demonstrate total submission and surrender to God. They are fundamentals duties that are offered to Allah directly. Additionally, the five pillars play a key role in the Islamic society and peoples characters (Kamal-Ud, 2009).
The five pillars of Islam include Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawn(fasting), and Hajj(pilgrimage). Arguably, the five Islamic pillars are the framework of the life of individuals who confess the islamic religion. As a matter of fact, they are authentication of faith, giving Zakah, prayer, pilgrimage to Mecca as well as fasting on the Ramadan season. According to Islam religion, shaddah refers to the basic creed (Shaikh, 1996). The Muslims believe that there is no true god apart from Allah; in addition, they only have one prophet of God called Mohammad. The first pillar implies that no other individual in the world has the privilege and right to be adored and worshipped, but only Allah. In fact, their God has neither a son nor a partner. It is only Mohammad who is a true messenger of God. Of all the Islamic pillars, the acknowledgment of faith is the most important.
The second Islamic is Salah, meaning prayer. Every Muslim is required to offer prayers five times in a day facing Mecca. The prayer in Islam religion is always a direct connection between God and the worshippers. Generally, Muslims believe that there are no intermediaries between their God and them. In prayer, individuals feel internal peace, happiness, comfort and satisfaction from God. Muslims pray during night, sunset, noon, dawn and mid-afternoon regardless of their location. It is obligatory to all sane, mature adults, as well as menstruation free women to pray. In order to validate the prayer, individuals are required to prepare. They include clothing, cleaning of body and intention of prayer be made clear. Prayers are accompanied by a sequence of the position including standing, sitting, prostrating and bowing (Kamal-Ud, 2009).
Alms-giving (Zakah) is the third pillar in the Islamic religion. It refers to the charity giving practice by Muslim fraternity. It is based on wealth and the ability to offer a wealth. Actually, this is well thought-out to be personal conscientiousness to eliminate inequality in the society and to alleviate economic problems for others. Shaikh(1996) asserts that, Muslims belief that, all the things of this world belong to God. Therefore wealth and other properties are held by individuals in trust.
Charity giving purifies both the heart and the belongings of the donor. The purification of individuals goes in two ways, to the recipient he receives purification from jealousy and envy, and on the other hand, the contributor is purified from greed and selfishness. Furthermore, it frees individuals from corruption, welfare and distrust. In most cases, Muslims take Zakah as a voluntary practice, but it is recognized as a crucial responsibility by all Muslims Shaikh, 1996)..
The fourth pillar, entails fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims always use the lunar calendar; therefore, fasting is not restricted to any specific season. During the season of fasting, Muslims should desist from drinking, eating, sexual intercourse and smoking from sunrise to dusk. After dusk, all these habits are allowed. Able individual must undergo fasting or those who are unable to fast can feed the poor people and compensate during other periods when they are well. The exceptional group includes elderly, sick, pregnant, women menstruating and those who are on a journey. The main goal of fasting is to emphasize reliance on God, compassion for those hungry people and self-discipline (Kamal-Ud, 2009).
In the Islam religion, the fifth pillar concerns making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime. All the Muslims in the world meet in Mecca. The hajj actions happen on the six days of the Islamic calendar. Adult Muslims who are financially and physically able must at least once make to pilgrimage. Moreover, visit to Mecca is seen by many Muslims as of remarkable spiritual value because people follow the path of Mohammad.
Christianity too has numerous principles and commandments that govern their lifestyle. The principles are universal among most Christians in the world. One of the supreme principles is the belief of God who created heaven and earth (Bainton, 2004). The only God of Christians has a son called Jesus, who was sent by him to fulfill the will of his father and save the world. Worshipping God can be done at any time but in most cases on Sunday.
Christians adhere to the principles of morality that was set by the son of God. This is to love neighbor and God as well as relying on the sermon that God gave to Moses and the Ten Commandments for guidance. The foremost four commandments guide and define the relationship between God and Christians, while the last six defines the relationship between Men and their fellow man. Worshipping of God can be done through prayer, singing and offerings (Bainton, 2004).
All Christian, work towards the ultimate goal of achieving salvation on the last day. Individuals who adhere to the commandments of God, do well to his fellow man and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ will receive eternal life. On the other hand, sinners will burn in eternal fire (Bainton, 2004).
Arguably, Islam and Christianity share most familiar foundation. Both religions draw their heredity to Abraham. Additionally, both believe in Gods messengers, resurrection, prophecy, scripture, revelation and centrality of spiritual society. Religion is the guide to many people in the world who belief in the existence of God and end of time.
References
Bainton, R. (2004).Christianity. New York. Wiley.
Kamal-Ud, D. (2009). Five Pillars of Islam. Pakistan: BiblioBazaar.
Shaikh, M. (1996). The Pillars of Islam & Iman.Houston: Darussalam.
