Five Pillars of Islam and Islamic Culture Quiz

Introduction

The five pillars of Islam serve as the foundation of Muslim life. They encompass the act of faith, which is the belief that there is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet. These foundational acts are the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving zakat, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if possible. This article will delve deeper into these practices, along with a look at Islamic art and architecture, history, and festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Five Pillars of Islam

The five pillars serve as the backbone of every Muslim's life, guiding them to live a virtuous existence. They are:

Shahada - Declaration of Faith

Shahada, meaning "testimony," is the declaration of faith that there is only one God and Muhammad is His messenger. It is said in Arabic as follows: "Ashhadu Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah." Translated to English, it means, "I testify that none has the right to be worshiped except God, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger".

Salat - Prayer

Salat, also known as Namaz, refers to the set of religious rituals performed by Muslims that center on standing, bowing, prostrating, and reciting verses from the Qur'an. Muslims pray five times daily in a mosque, starting from dawn until after sunset for approximately 3 years till the age of 70 years old unless they have a valid excuse like illness or travel.

Zakat - Almsgiving

Zakat is the practice of giving alms to those in need. Muslim communities and individuals are encouraged to give a portion of their wealth as a charitable act. The Qur'an states that one must pay zakat on gold and silver after a certain period of time. It was also obligatory for Muslims to pay zakat to the local ruler during the early Islamic state when there were no banks and only cash transactions took place.

Sawm - Fasting During Ramadan

Sawm refers to fasting during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the lunar Hijri calendar. This involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. There are some exceptions for people who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, elderly, or traveling. The purpose of fasting is to purify the soul, strengthen self-discipline, show gratitude to God, and develop empathy for those less fortunate by sharing experiences of hunger.

Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca

The last pillar is the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, which every able-bodied adult Muslim must undertake at least once in a lifetime depending on their financial status and health conditions. This annual event attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world, and they gather together for prayers, sermons, and rituals that commemorate Abraham and his family. The journey culminates with standing shoulder to shoulder in the plain of 'Arafah. Then Muslims travel back to Makkah, where they spend another night and perform other acts of worship before leaving.

Islamic Art and Architecture

Islamic art and architecture reflect the rich heritage and diverse cultural influences that have shaped Islam throughout history. Some notable examples include:

Antique Islamic Coins

These coins often depict various subjects such as figures associated with Sufism, Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, and even representations of Paradise. They serve not just as currency but also as religious symbols and collectibles.

Design Elements in Mosques and Madrasas

Traditional mosque design incorporates elements like pointed arches, tall minarets, intricate tile work, and calligraphy. These structures are built according to specifications laid out in Islamic law and serve as places of worship, education, and community gathering.

Moroccan Ceramic Arts

This craft form encompasses pottery, zellij tiles, and fountains made during the 13th century with glazing techniques brought by the Moors from Spain.

Islamic History

Islamic history spans over a thousand years and encompasses various periods such as:

The Prophet Muhammad's Era

Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca. He began to receive revelations from God through the angel Gabriel when he was about 40 years old. The first surah of the Qur'an called Al-Fatiha was revealed in 610 CE. Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Umayyad Caliphs

The Umayyad Caliphate lasted from 661 to 750 CE and ruled from Damascus. This period saw significant expansion of Islamic territories and the establishment of a centralized administration.

Abbasid Caliphs

The Abbasid Caliphate, which lasted from 750 to 1258 CE, was based in Baghdad and marked the Golden Age of Islam. During this time, many advancements were made in science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and literature.

Ottomans

The Ottoman Empire, established in 1299 CE, was one of the longest-lasting empires in history. It stretched across three continents and reached its peak during the 16th century.

Islamic Festivals and Celebrations

Islam celebrates various festivals and holidays to commemorate significant events in Islamic history or to mark the end of important practices. Some of these include:

Eid al-Fitr

This is the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr by offering the Eid prayer in a large congregation, followed by giving charity to the needy and sharing sweets and other delicacies with family and friends.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of submission to God. Muslims slaughter an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or