The Pillars of Islam

                                                      
                    The Pillars of Islam 

The greatest of Islamic practises,after faith,are performing the obligatory prayers,giving the Zak'at, fasting the month of Ramadan, and Hajj(pilgrimage) to the sacred House.

Contemplate about these great practices and their tremendous benefit.Consider how they encourage one to seek Allah's pleasure and to win the rich rewards from Allah in this life and the Hereafter.Think about the ritual prayer which includes sincerity to Allah, focusing one's attention on Him Alone.Think about the gratitude expressed in it, the supplication, and the humility.It is the tree of the faith holding the position equal to that of the Gardner to the garden. Without repeated prayers ,day and night,the tree of the faith and its branches would wither.However, it flourishes and rejuvenates through the devotion of the prayer.

Look at all the contents of prayer,look at how one busies himself in remembrance of Allah,the One greater than all things,and look at how it prevents one from vile and evil behavior.

 Think about the wisdom behind paying the Zakat. It encourages the Honorable trait of benevolence and kindness. It keeps one away from evil characteristics.It expresses gratitude to Allah for His endless blessings.It protects the wealth from the concern of being spoiled.Consider the kindness for others that it demonstrates, and help for those in need.

 Allah says: "And perform As-Salat, and give Zakat, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'un."[2:43]

Paying Zakat removes the worries of those in need.It promotes the mission of Jihad and the general social welfare which every Muslim depends upon.It defends against poverty.It demonstrates reliance upon the command of Allah,hope in His reward,and conviction of His promises.

With fasting, the souls practice avoiding what is most beloved to them.Out of love for Allah ,and to draw nearer to Him, fasting trains the souls by strengthening their resolve and perseverance.Fasting encourages sincerity,acting out of love for Allah rather than love for oneself. In this way,fasting,unlike any other deed, is in reality exclusively for Allah.

As for the pilgrimage or Hajj,it is a means of spending one's wealth,bearing with difficulties and being exposed to risks, all seeking the pleasure of Allah,travelling for Allah,praising Him at His House and in its vicinity,and various categories of worshiping Allah in the holy place where times is spent solely in worshiping Allah and visiting His House. 

Look at the complete reverence and humility to Allah,recalling the ancient events of the Prophets and Messengers,the righteous and the sincere,strengthening faith in them and strengthening love for them.Consider how it gives an opportunity for Muslims from all over the world to learn about each,unite their objectives,and cooperate in their special and general interests.This is an opportunity unique to Hajj.This is one of the greatest merits of Islam, resulting in one of the best benefits for the believers.