The Five Pillars Of Islam: The FIRST PILLAR — Declaration of belief (Shahada)

Islam, the Prophet said, is built on five pillars (1). The pillars do not define the religion as such because Islam’s essence is traditionally held to be its spiritual life rather than any formal practices. The five pillars are regarded as the foundations of Islam and their importance can be judged by the fact that they give Muslim societies their basic social rhythm.

The FIRST PILLAR — Declaration of belief (Shahada):

The first pillar is the most important. It consists of what are called the “Two Testimonies” (the plural of Shahada is shahadatayn). They function as a creed. A basic declaration of faith. Every Muslim is required to testify that:

1.  ”There is no god but God”,

   and that

2. “Mohammed is the messenger of God”.

The first of the shahadatayn  ”there is no god but God” is an assertion, declaring that Islam is strictly monotheistic. In a western context it might be compared to the declaration found in Deuteronomy 6:4. in the old testament:

“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord”.

The second of the shahadatayn, declarations of faith, tells the believer that this One God makes his will known to his straying creatures by choosing a prophet – like Moses or Elijah in the Bible – to remind people of his will. Muslim theology states that God has sent prophets to every people, and that Mohammed was the last of them. This is why you will often hear Muslims call the Prophet Mohammed ”The Seal of the Prophets,” or “Khatam-an-Nabiyyin” in Arabic. According to orthodox Muslim doctrine no prophet will, or indeed can, come after the Prophet Mohammed instead the believers are to expect the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Notes:

(1) Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 2: Volume 1, Book 2, Number 7:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

Allah’s Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Mohammed is Allah’s Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) .
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

Tags: Islam