The World's Religions Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter VI, Islam, The Five Pillars, Summary

Chapter VI, Islam, The Five Pillars, Summary and Analysis

Every action in the life of a Muslim is nailed down to the "forbidden", the "indifferent" to the "obligatory". The five pillars of Islam are distinct things every Muslim must do at least once during his or her lifetime. First is the thoughtful recitation of the Shahadah, "There is no God but Allah". The second is the canonical prayer to be recited five times a day at specified times of the day. The third pillar is charity that involves a religious tax that is levied according to the wealth of the individual. Furthermore, there is an exact prescription for those to whom the charity is to be given. The fourth pillar is fasting for its self-discipline qualities. Finally, there is pilgrimage to Mecca. This pillar is lifted for those who are too ill or economically impaired to make the journey.