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5 Pillars Myth
In today's version of Islam, we hear that the religion
has been built upon 5-Pillars which, if upheld, grant the
person a very high chance of his/her succeeding in this worldly
life and entering paradise...
The 5-Pillars are described as follows:
- Witnessing there is no god but GOD, and
that Mohammed is His messenger;
- The daily Prayer/Salat - 5-times per day;
- The obligatory charity (zakat) amounting
to 2.5% per annum;
- Fasting the month of Ramadhan;
- Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once.
Although the above has now been taught to
over 1-billion people worldwide as being 'Islam'...What perhaps
may become obvious to readers of this site is that GOD Has
provided mankind with a SYSTEM (click for 'What is Religion?')
and not a set of rituals...
In this page we will present the 'true' pillars
that all Muslims will unite around, as well as presenting
select articles which will show different understanding of
today's pillars.
The 'true' pillars of Islam
"Abraham was a nation, humble to GOD,
a monotheist; he was not of those who set-up partners. Thankful
to what provisions he was provided; He selected him, and guided
him to a Straight Path. And We have given him good in this
world, and in the hereafter he is one of the upright. Then
We inspired you: 'follow the creed of Abraham, monotheism;
he was not from those who set-up partners." (16:120-123)
Monotheism (the path of the One GOD) is directly
related to the 'Straight Path':
"Say: 'my Lord has guided me to a Straight
Path, an upright religion, the creed of Abraham, monotheism;
he was not from those who set-up partners'. " (6:161)
The Straight Path
Here now is the LAW which all Submitters
are to uphold and honor:
"Say: 'come let me recite to you what
your Lord Has forbade for you:
that you should not set-up anything with
Him.
And be kind to your parents;
and do not kill your unborn children for
fear of poverty, We provide for you and for them;
and do not come near evil, what is openly
of it, or secretly;
and do not kill the soul which GOD Has forbidden,
except in justice. That is what He enjoined you that you may
comprehend'.
'And do not come near the money of the orphan,
except for what is best, until he reached his maturity;
and give honestly full measure and weight
equitably. We do not burden a soul except by what it can bear.
And if you speak then be just even if against
a relative;
and with pledges made to GOD you shall observe.
This He Has enjoined you that you may remember'.
And this is *My path, a Straight One, so
you shall follow it, and do not follow the other paths lest
they divert you from His path. That is what He has enjoined
you to that you may be righteous." (6:151-153)
*Please note that this is the SAME Straight
Path that was revealed not only to Abraham, but to Moses and
his people (the exception being the Sabbath which was made
as a punishment for some of the Children of Israel 16:124).
Articles regarding the 5-pillars:
True
Testimony
A very revealing analysis of the "Shahada".
The Link (Salat)
One of the most misunderstood practice associated with this
great system.
Purification
(Zakat)
Find out just how simple GOD's system of giving can be.
Fasting (Saum)
Can we find all we need from the Quran's guidance?.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
What are the rules that govern Pilgrimage?.
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