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5 Pillars Of Islam Research Paper

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The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life consist of Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad(Iman); Establishment of the daily prayers(Salah); Concern for and almsgiving to the needy(sazak); Self-purification through fasting(sawm); and The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able (hajj). Today I will be talking about sawm or fasting. Fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is probably the most notable time for fasting among Muslims.
Fasting is an ancient and universal practice. The Romans, the Babylonians, the Cynic, Stoic, Pythagorean and Neo-Platonist philosophers commended fasting. The followers of …show more content…
It is neither the irrational motionless 'Imsak' of pre-Islamic Arabs nor the mere abstaining from eating and drinking, but is, in fact, the building of one's character, control over desires, and an inspiration towards social and scientific creativity. Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses. During Ramadan many Muslims will try to eat a large meal called suhur just before dawn. When daylight is over, most Muslims will break or open the fast with dates or water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, before having a proper meal later. The evening meals during Ramadan are occasions for family and community get-togethers. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start …show more content…
Fasting constitutes a process of self-purification, self-righteousness, and spiritual development of one self. Fasting in Islam is not prescribed to cause undue hardship. The Divine principle, as specified in the Holy Quran: (On no soul does God place a burden greater than it can bear...) (2:286). Accordingly, although there can be no laxity in so far as the obligation of fasting is concerned, there are facilities provided for one who may be sick or on a journey. The Holy Quran says: (...But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (of fasting should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties ...) (2:185). By fasting, a person keeps himself from the pleasures of life, with no preventive or hindering factor, except that of obeying God and showing genuine devotion to His commands. Traditions (ahadith) succinctly explain this fact: "A fasting person is in a state of worship, even when (asleep) in bed, except when he backbites another Muslim." (Al-Kafi, al- Kulayni, "The Book of Fasting" 3rd Edition, vol.4, p.190) "... Every breath you take is (has the reward of) Tasbih (praise to Allah) and your sleep is worship..." (Uyun al-Akhbar al-Rida - the Prophet's sermon). It is an apparent sign of obedience, submission and servitude to God, the Exalted. By fasting, a Muslim expresses

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