Lesson 4: Rituals And Doctrines
This lesson is a discussion of major rituals and doctrines found in the Islamic faith.
Every religious tradition has elements in it that sets it apart from other traditions, and these elements often have both interesting sources and intriguing developments. Take, for instance, the almsgiving and pilgrimage required of Muslims as described in the Five Pillars of Islam. The almsgiving was instituted right at the birth of Islam, and was a recognition of the conditions often experienced by the poor, orphaned or widowed. In the pilgrimage we see a means of keeping a unity in Islam, which to some extent has occurred over the centuries of its existence.
It is fascinating to see how shared traditional knowledge, such as stories in the Qur'an, can have an impact on ritual. For instance, the Qur'an relates the story of Hagar, the mother of Ishmael and concubine of Abraham, being abandoned at the insistence of Abraham's wife Sarah. In her abandonment, she searches frantically for water to give to give to Ishmael. This scene is recreated by Muslims on pilgrimage to Mecca.
At the close of this chapter there will be two analysis questions and a selection of multiple choice questions. As well, at the end of the course there is a five question multiple choice test. This is provided solely to aid you in the retention of factual information.
The Five Pillars
In the Islamic tradition there are five important rituals – these are called the “Five Pillars” or al-Arkan - that are critical to the lives of all Muslims. These are recognized by every Muslim group, and have been so throughout the history of Islam.
- The first pillar is the creed or shahada of Islam. This is the confession of faith in Islam, and to proclaim it is to be Muslim. It declares that
“There is no god but Allah [there is no god but the God] and Muhammad is the prophet of God”.
This is the crucial statement of Islam, and it is repeated daily. Though this is the standard phrase, the Shi'i community also adds “'Ali is the friend of God”. - The second pillar is the salat - “prayer” or “worship”. This prayer takes place five times a day: at sunrise, at midday, at mid afternoon, at sunset and in the evening. The worshippers ensure that they are facing Mecca (when in Europe, the Americas, or Africa this means facing East). Congregational prayer occurs at noon, quite often in mosques, where the men and women are strictly separated. Greater congregational prayer occurs on Fridays. All Muslims must be in a state of ritual purity when they begin their prayer.
- The third pillar is almsgiving, the zakat. This is compulsory charity given to the poor and needy within the community. There is indeed a minimum donation, and wealthier Muslims are asked to give at least 2.5 per cent of their net earnings for the year. This is not a tithe – the money goes to the needy rather than an institutional religious body. Initially, the zakat was paid in livestock, but now it is more practical to do so with currency. In centuries past Muslim governments were in charge of the collection process, but now it is most often the duty of a responsible Muslim.
- The fourth pillar is the fast, or sawm. This occurs during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Because the Muslim calendar is lunar, the dates for Ramadan change from year to year. During this fast Muslims will not drink, eat or participate in sexual activity between dawn and dusk. Tradition holds that the Qur'an was first revealed on the 27th night of Ramadan, the “day of power”. Those who are ill or otherwise unable to participate in the fast are absolved.
- The fifth and last pillar is the Hajj, or pilgrimage. It is mandatory for every Muslim, once in their lifetime, to journey to the city of Mecca and to participate in worship at the Kaba. All male participants circumambulate the shrine dressed in the same plain, white gowns, which is meant to show that all are equal before God, regardless of wealth and nationality. Scenes from the Qur'an are replayed, such as Hagar's search for water, and rituals, such as “stoning the devil” (where stones are thrown at pillars representing the Satan) are carried out.
