Pillar #1: Shahadah (belief in one god) What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? -Declaring that you believe in one god. Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim? -Because as a Muslim you have to believe that you believe in one god.
Pillar #2: Salat (the prayer) Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray. -Cleanse themselves in the fountain in the courtyard, the hand, face, hair, and feet. Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray? -Have to have shoulder to shoulder, separate gender when praying, 5 times a day, the morning, middle of the day, afternoon, dinner prayer and night prayer. What do the prayers sound like? What do the movements look like? -The prayers sound different because they are sung, and the movement is their belief. Up and down are the movements, prostrate position. In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way? -The face Mecca, in Australia it was NW. They face this way because it is sacred for the Muslims, they believe that is the central facing towards god. Prayers are invalid if they face the wrong way. What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer? -God is great, god is merciful, we are nothing and there is one god. Why do Muslims pray? -To connect with god.
Pillar #3: Zakat (Giving to charity) What is Zakat? What is emphasized in Zakaat? -Charity, the giving to the poor. Looking after people as god looks after you. Why do Muslims make donations? How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes? -The more you give the more good luck is put on you, and the minimal is 2.5% of giving. What is the relationship between prayer and money? -The more you give the more you get. How is Zakat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give? -The big donation where as in other times they give smaller amounts.
Pillar #4: Sawm (The fasting) As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? -To purify your soul. Why do Muslims fast? -To remind them how blessed they are to have food. What and when is Ramadan? What is Eid al-Fitr? -It is the month of fasting in septemeber. The celebration after where you get to eat.
Pillar #5: Hajj (Pilgrimage to mecca) How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? -The pilgrimage to Mecca, only go once in your life Where do Muslims go during Hajj? -The big box, which is Mecca. What and where is the Kaaba? Describe this place. -Is the big black box in the middle of the mosque, it is the house of god, symbolically. How many Muslims participate in Hajj? -2 Million approx. What is the goal of Hajj? -To show your commitment and to re-establish you faith in god. What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments? -They wear the white robes, only no underwear or perfumes or deodorant, to get yourself centered and focused on god. How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim? -It brought it his scope on the world, and the idea of the connectedness. What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims? -
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