Book 1: Introduction
The Pillars of Islām
This book is about the Pillars of Islām, in Arabic, the Arkān al Islām.
I remember the word arkān from book 1. Is that same word being used here?
Yes. Arkān is derived from the root word ‘rukn’ which implies support for a building. Such a support could be a pillar or a corner as in the four corners of a room. In the context of our discussion, arkān means ‘pillars.’
In Book 1 we looked at the six beliefs that Muslims must believe in. These are known as the Arkān al Ēmān or the ‘Pillars of Faith.’ In Book 2, Insha’Allāh, we will discuss a different set of Pillars, the ‘Pillars of Islām’ or Arkān al Islām. These relate to certain, compulsory actions required to be performed by all Muslims.
Pillars? That’s building language. My uncle is an architect. I love to hear him talk about buildings and structures. Who gave this kind of ‘building’ description for Islām and its important actions?
The Messenger of Allāh, Muhammad [1] صلى الله عليه وسلم, himself, used this expression. He said, Buniyal Islām ‘alāa Khamsīn, which translates as, ‘Islām is built upon five’.
So, there are five of them? What are they?
Yes, they are five in all. According to one hadith (saying of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم):
Narrated Ibn Umar [2] رضي الله عنه, Allāh's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
Islām is built on (the following) five (pillars):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allāh and Muhammad is Allāh's Apostle (Shahādah).
2. To offer the salāh (obligatory prayers) dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay zakāh (obligatory charity).
4. To perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah if one is able).
5. To observe fasts during the month of Ramadhān (Sawm Ramadhān).
Bukhari
So, as well as believing firmly in the six basic beliefs, Muslims are also required to undertake the above actions. For Muslims, belief and action must go hand in hand.
As mentioned, this book is devoted to an understanding of those five main actions, the Arkān al Islām, the Pillars of Islām.
Photo gallery: Islām around the world
Insha’Allah, each chapter of this book will end with a photograph from somewhere in the world. These are selected images to give you a sense of the global nature of Islām.
For the vast majority of Muslims around the world, Islām is not just a ‘religion.’ Many of them take great comfort in the knowledge that they are part of a global community of believers. Although, they are different in so many ways, they all share the same love of a faith that started with simple beginnings in Makkah, but, with Allah’s Help, rapidly reached all four corners of the globe.
So, let’s start in the Maldives. It’s a general shot of the capital, Malé, but in between the buildings, you might spot some domes and minarets.
Islam around the world
The City of Malé, The Maldives
[1] Ṣallallāhu ′alayhe wassallam: Appears in Arabic as صلى الله عليه وسلم and reads as ‘may Allāh send blessings and peace upon him’. This is an honourific used exclusively for the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم
[2] RadhiAllāhu anho/anha/anhuma/anhum: رضي الله عنه/ ها/ هما / هم May Allāh be pleased with him/her/them both/them: Honourific used for companions of the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم