Different Islamic Views on the Five Pillars of Islam (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Different Islamic views on the importance of the Five Pillars of Islam

• The Five Pillars of Islam are practices that should be followed by all Muslims

• However, there are a few differences between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims in how some of them are followed, notably Shahadah, Salah and Zakah

Shahadah for Shi’a & Sunni Muslims

• Although Shahadah is extremely important for both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims, there are some distinct differences

  • In Shi’a Islam, the Shahadah is not a separate Pillar

  • The declaration of faith for Shi’a Muslims has two additional statements relating to Ali as beloved of Allah and the rightful trustee and successor of Muhammad (pbuh)

  • Shi’a Muslims add “and Ali is a friend of Allah” to recognise his importance

  • This shows the Shi’a belief that Ali is the true successor of Muhammad (pbuh)

Salah for Shi’a and Sunni Muslims

• While Sunni Muslims perform Salah at five different prayer times each day, Shi’a Muslims combine the five daily prayers into three sessions

• Sunni Muslims move their heads from left to right at the end of prayer

  • Shi’a Muslims raise their hands three times to Allah at the end of prayer

• Sunni Muslims prostrate themselves by touching their heads to the floor

  • Shi’a Muslims place a small block of wood or earth (turbah) on the floor so that their head touches something natural when they prostrate themselves, reminding them that they have come from the earth and will return to it after death

Zakah for Shi’a and Sunni Muslims

• Shi’a Muslims give Zakah but also pay khums

• Khums means one-fifth; it is the practice of paying 20 per cent of your wealth to other causes to benefit the needy and also to advance the cause of Islam

  • Islamic schools, mosques and religious charities may benefit 

• Sunni Muslims recognise this as historically important but do not place the same emphasis on it

The impact of these beliefs and events on the daily life of Muslims

Shahadah in a Muslim’s daily life

• The Shahadah plays a central role in Muslim practice today

  • It remains the basic statement of faith

• Muslims recite the Shahadah daily to remind them of the central importance of these beliefs

  • Muslims would say that anyone who cannot recite it is not a Muslim

• Muslims practice Shahadah in their daily lives by ensuring they stay true to Allah and follow the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• One way they show this is by saying “peace and blessings be upon him” after using the Prophet’s name

  • When Muhammad’s (pbuh) name is written, this is abbreviated to pbuh

Salah in a Muslim’s daily life

• Muslims believe that through Salah they can communicate directly with Allah

• Therefore, praying five times a day can deepen their relationship with Allah

• Muslims also pray to seek help if they are troubled

• They pray to help improve their behaviour

• Praying five times a day is obligatory for all adults to show their commitment to their faith

• Children are encouraged to participate and develop the practice of prayer

  • They learn to pray from a very young age as they grow up in the Muslim faith

• The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that the first question Allah will ask his followers in the akhirah (afterlife) will be about Salah

Sawm in a Muslim’s daily life

• Sawm is important to Muslims’ daily life because it:

  • Shows commitment and obedience to Allah

  • Helps Muslims get closer to Allah and be grateful for all that he has provided

  • Helps Muslims learn self-discipline

  • Gives Muslims an opportunity to reflect on their actions and try to lead a better life 

  • Gives Muslims greater sympathy for the poor, makes them more grateful for what they have and helps them realise the importance of charity

  • Brings Muslims closer together as a community (ummah) and strengthens their unity

  • Makes the believer purer, physically and spiritually

• Because this was the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed, it makes Muslims more aware of the Qur’an’s value and importance

Zakah in a Muslim’s daily life

• Zakah means purification in Arabic

  • By giving this contribution, a Muslim’s wealth is purified.

  • The donation becomes a source of goodness for others, and what remains is blessed and purified

• Zakah can help to free a person from greed and selfishness, which helps them to be more spiritual and less materialistic

• Muslims believe Zakah is a form of worshipping Allah, and it is listed alongside prayer and obeying Allah in the Qur’an as a way to receive mercy

Hajj in a Muslim’s daily life

• Hajj is an obligation for all Muslims who are able to do so

• Although they are only required to do this once in their lifetime, the spiritual effects are long-lasting and can influence a Muslim for the rest of their life

• In performing the Hajj, Muslims are following the example of the prophets Ibrahim and Isma’il

• It shows a commitment to their faith, and Muslims believe that this will be rewarded by Allah

• It gives Muslims a chance to put worldly concerns aside and to focus only on Allah, which will bring them closer to Allah and strengthen their faith

• Pilgrims who complete Hajj often return home inspired and spiritually refreshed

• Muslims believe that their sins are forgiven by completing Hajj, which gives them a fresh start

• Hajj strengthens the ummah (worldwide community of Muslims) by bringing people from all over the world together, with everyone united and equal in the experience