Chapter 2: The Pillars of the Faith
For Muslims, the definition of Islam and acceptance as a member of the Muslim community rests on what are known as “the five pillars,” five basic obligations. They are
The creed or declaration of the faith
Prayer
Charity
Fasting
Pilgrimage
The Creed
The basic creed, acceptance or rejection of which marks the difference between the Muslim and the unbeliever, consists of two clear, unambiguous sentences: “I testify that there is no God but Allah. I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.”
The first of these is an affirmation of monotheism, and a rejection—in earlier times of polytheism and idolatry, in modern times of agnosticism and atheism. The second affirms the mission of Muhammad, not just as God’s ...
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