Five Pillars of Islam Analysis

The belief in only one God, Allah, is a central belief of Islam. Therefore, Islam is a monotheist faith. A Muslim believes his or her purpose is to serve Allah and that making the world a better place is the purpose for every human. To ensure devotion to Allah and help make the world a better place, the people of Islamic faith adhere to the Five Pillars. Muslims consider the Five Pillars Gods commandments as they represent a Muslims commitment to Islam. Professing a belief in only one God and that Muhammad is the messenger is shahadah, the first pillar of Islam. The second pillar, salat, is continual prayer. Muslims recite prayers and passages of the Quran while facing Mecca five times a day. It is through repetition of prayers that a Muslim strengthens his or her belief in God’s goodness and existence as well as shows a desire to learn the ways God intends for them to live with a pure heart. Zakat the third pillar is spiritual tithing and almsgiving. At the end of the year Muslims must give 2.5 % of their wealth to a Muslim in need. This act of kindness prevents greed and eliminates economic inequality among Muslims. Fasting or sawm is the fourth pillar. Fasting is an act of repentance and it allows the body to rid impurities giving a Muslim a clear mind. The fifth pillar is hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that serves as an additional act of devotion to God. In the Islamic faith there is a requirement for every Muslim to go to Mecca at least once in their lifetime and partake in rituals that bring them close to God as Mecca is a holy place. If I were to convert to Islam today, the easiest pillar to fulfill is salat, continual prayer. Currently, I take mini-meditation moments three times a day. It is in these times that I take a moment to release negativity and stay present and it causes me marvel everything good. The most challenging pillar to fulfill is sawn, fasting. I have four attempts at fasting neither is successful. I do not eat a large amount of