Embracing the Arkan-e-Islam: Unity in Five Pillars
Islam, a religion with roughly a billion believers, is based upon a strong foundation known as the Arkan-e-Islam, or the Five Pillars of Islam.
These pillars provide a framework for Muslims to establish their religion, connect with the Divine, and obtain spiritual fulfilment. In this essay, we will look into the Five Pillars, assessing their meaning, traditions, and the great solidarity they bring to the Muslim community.
The Beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad said:
بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ
Table of Contents
Arkan e Islam in Urdu
شہادت (ایمان کی گواہی)
اسلام کا پہلا ستون، شہادت، ایمان کا اعلان ہے۔ یہ گواہی ہے کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی خالق نہیں اور محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم اس کے رسول ہیں۔ جب کوئی بھی اسلام قبول کرتا ہے تو اسے سچے دل سے یہ یقین کرنا ہوگا کہ “میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں، اور میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم اس کے رسول ہیں۔”
نماز (فرض نماز)
نماز، یا رسمی نماز، اسلام کا دوسرا ستون ہے۔ یہ وہ تکنیک ہے جس کے ذریعے مسلمان اللہ سے براہ راست تعلق پیدا کرتے ہیں۔ نماز کو وقت پر پڑھنے کی ضرورت درج ذیل حدیث میں واضح ہوئی ہے:
ایک دفعہ عبداللہ رضی اللہ عنہ نے نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے پوچھا کہ اللہ کو کون سا عمل سب سے زیادہ محبوب ہے؟ آپ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: ”نمازیں پہلے مقررہ وقت پر پڑھنا۔ (صحیح البخاری 527)۔
زکوٰۃ (لازمی صدقہ)
زکوٰۃ، اسلام کا تیسرا ستون، اپنے مال کا ایک حصہ ضرورت مندوں کو فراہم کرتا ہے۔ یہ کسی کی دولت کو پاک کرنے اور مسلم کمیونٹی کے اندر سماجی انصاف کے حصول کے ایک ذریعہ کے طور پر کام کرتا ہے۔
صوم (رمضان کے روزے)
صوم، یا رمضان کے مقدس مہینے میں روزہ رکھنا، اسلام کا چوتھا ستون ہے۔ یہ ستون صبح سے شام تک کھانے پینے اور دیگر جسمانی ضروریات سے پرہیز پر مشتمل ہے۔ مضمون کا یہ حصہ روزے کے روحانی مقصد، اس کے جسمانی اور ذہنی انعامات، اور رمضان المبارک کے دوران دنیا بھر کے مسلمانوں کی طرف سے تجربہ کرنے والے اتحاد کا جائزہ لے گا۔ یہ مشترکہ طور پر افطار کرنے کے سماجی جزو اور مشترکہ قربانی سے پیدا ہونے والی ہمدردی کو بھی چھوئے گا۔
حج (مکہ کی زیارت)
حج، اسلام کا پانچواں ستون، مقدس شہر مکہ کا سفر ہے۔ یہ ان افراد کے لیے زندگی بھر کا عہد ہے جو جسمانی اور مالی طور پر قابل ہیں۔ یہ حصہ حج کے رواج اور مقصد کو دریافت کرے گا، جس میں کعبہ کا طواف، شیطان کا علامتی سنگسار، اور میدان عرفات میں کھڑا ہونا شامل ہے۔ یہ اس قابل ذکر یکجہتی کو اجاگر کرے گا جو اس وقت پیدا ہوتی ہے جب مختلف پس منظر سے تعلق رکھنے والے لاکھوں مسلمان ایک ہی مقدس بنیاد پر جمع ہوتے ہیں۔
Shahada: The Profound Declaration
The first pillar of Islam, the Shahada, is the declaration of faith. It is a testimony that there is no creator but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger. When anyone accepts Islam, he has to believe sincerely that “I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, and I bear witness that Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) is His messenger.”
This pillar promotes the core ideas of Islam and serves as a unifying force for Muslims worldwide.
It is one of the best acts if a Muslim recites La Ilaha Illa Allah. The Prophet (S.A.W.) declared in the Hadith: “When a person honestly says, ‘La Ilaha Illa Allah,’ the doors of the sky are opened for it until it approaches the Throne, so long as he avoids major sins.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3590.) Graded sound (Hasan by Imam Tirmidhi)
There are two sections in the first half of the testimony of faith:
The first part is “Laa ilaha illa Allah”.
This part of the testimony nullifies all kinds of worship of anything or anyone other than Allah. With this sentence, you proclaim that Allah alone is the Creator, Ruler, and Sustainer of everything.
The second section is: “Mohammed Rasol Allah, peace be upon him.
This second half indicates that to believe in this claim is to bear witness that Mohammed is the prophet of Allah, which means to follow what he says by obeying him in what he tells us to do and to avoid what He forbids.
Salah: The Gateway to Divine Connection
Salah, or the ceremonial prayer, is the second pillar of Islam. It is the technique through which Muslims create a direct relationship with Allah. The necessity of reciting Salah on time is highlighted in the following Hadith:
“Once Abdullah (R.A.) asked the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), “Which act is the dearest to Allah?” He said, “To perform the prayers at their earlier stated fixed times.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 527).
Salah is a form of contact with Allah. You can talk to Allah through Salah; Allah listens to you; he always listens to the prayer, as stated in Quran (2:186): “When My servants ask thee [O Muhammad] concerning Me, [tell them] I am indeed close: I listen to the prayer of each suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way.”
This section will examine the importance of Salah in the life of a Muslim, the specific times and movements of prayer, and the spiritual rewards that come with regular adherence. Additionally, it will shed light on the oneness that occurs when millions of Muslims worldwide simultaneously face the same direction, partaking in this act of devotion.
Praying five times a day while facing towards Mecca, the capital of Saudi Arabia is regarded as the second most significant pillar of Islam and a subject of considerable relevance after Shahada.
Prayers are offered on a clean, stainless steel piece of rug. Preferably, it would be beneficial if you assigned a different mat to alleviate the worry of keeping it pure. Women are urged to pray privately at home. Men shall make their way out towards the mosque upon hearing the Adhan (call to prayer). Still, they may omit this paragraph and pray at home under specific, clear conditions.
Salah’s main objective is to establish a recollection of Allah in the daily routine of the Muslim. It is a call from Allah to all Muslims to gather to pray and thank Allah, who has created them. Salah tests a Muslim to see if he serves Allah or if his routine is more important to him. If a Muslim prays on time and passionately, it eases his troubles and fulfils all his aspirations.
Zakat: Alleviating Socioeconomic Disparity
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, provides a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. It serves as a means of purifying one’s wealth and achieving social justice within the Muslim community.
This chapter will study the significance of Zakat, its impact on economic redistribution, and the sense of compassion and solidarity it instils among Muslims. Additionally, it will illustrate the different varieties of philanthropy and the changing influence of giving.
In the Quran, most of the time, wherever there is a command to pray Salah, there is always mention of Zakat. It shows that as much as Salah is necessary for the Muslim, the same goes for Zakat, as Salah develops a remembrance of Allah. Similarly, Zakar lessens the love for money and enhances the level of piety, as mentioned in the Quran (2:110): “And maintain the prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah.”
As Salah is the purification of the soul, Zakat is the purification of money. Whenever a Muslim contributes, Zakat Allah gets closer to him because he is not valuing his money but valuing the instructions of Allah. It is like a person loves his money. Allah knows the nature of man. That’s why he has developed the system of Zakat to test the believers.
Through this test, Allah can judge the true believers of Islam, and it rewards the true believer with the best; as the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Whoever gives away charity the size of a date, which is gained lawfully, since Allah only accepts the good lawful things, Allah will indeed take it with His right hand and cause it to grow for its owner, just as one of you raises his colt, to the point that the charity will become like the size of a mountain.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslims]
Zakat aids a Muslim in gaining forgiveness from Allah, as there is a hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.): “Giving charity wipes away sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
Zakat is not optional in Islam; it is a required component of Islam. It is necessary because Allah wants to check whether this individual loves money or Me; apart from this great law of Islam, it helps society decrease poverty or Me; apart from this great law of Islam, it helps community reduce poverty. Through Zakat, people obtain support; if all Muslims give Zakat regularly, society may eventually overcome the poverty rate.
As Allah has mentioned in the Quran (9:60): “The alms are only for the Fuqara (the poor) and Al-Masakin (the needy) and those hired to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam), and to free captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s cause; and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.”
Sawm: Fasting as a Spiritual Journey
Sawm, or fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. This pillar comprises abstinence from food, drink, and other physical necessities from dawn until dusk. This part of the article will dig into the spiritual purpose of fasting, its physical and mental rewards, and the oneness experienced by Muslims worldwide during Ramadan. It will also touch upon the social component of breaking the fast jointly and the empathy developed by shared sacrifice.
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims are ordered to keep fast from pre-dawn until dusk. All healthy and adult Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, and even undertaking harmful activities.
Through fasting, Muslims suffer hunger and thirst and sense the agony their fellow Muslims experience daily due to a lack of resources. This momentary deprivation revitalises their belief in Allah. It provides a reason to express their highest thankfulness for every favour that Allah has bestowed on them.
Uthman ibn Abu Al-Aas reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Fasting is a shield from the hellfire just like the shield of any of you in battle.'” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1639)
Fasting is a means to create piety in oneself. As Allah makes fasting to guard himself against wrong deeds and complete control over his wants, as described in the Hadith:
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘When one of you awakes in the morning for fasting, then he should not use obscene language or behave ignorantly. If somebody slanders him or attempts to fight with him, he should say, “Truly, I am fasting! Indeed, I am fasting!” (Sahih Muslim)
Fasting in the month of Ramadan has a wonderful reward. If a person fasts with enthusiasm, then he will straight enter Paradise, as Sahl Ibn Saad (R.A.) said that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “There is an entrance in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection, and none except them will enter through it.
It will be asked, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and they will only enter through it. After their entry, the gate will be closed, and nobody will enter through it.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1896)
Hajj: The Journey of a Lifetime
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is the journey to the holy city of Mecca. It is a once-in-a-lifetime commitment for individuals who are physically and financially capable. This portion will explore the customs and purpose of Hajj, including the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the symbolic stoning of Satan, and standing on the plain of Arafat. It will highlight the remarkable solidarity that arises as millions of Muslims from different backgrounds congregate on the same sacred grounds.
Performing Hajj is the last pillar of Islam and one key aspect of Islamic beliefs. Those financially strong and resourceful Muslims are urged to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a Muslim visit to the holy city of Mecca in the month of Zil Hajj.
According to the idea that Muslims have the Kaaba, which is a cubical structure with black hangings over it ornamented with the words of the Holy Quran; it was built by Abraham R.A., and he declared it the temple of God, so they faced the direction of the Kaaba when they pray.
The Quran highlights the importance of Hajj: “When we made the house [i.e., the Ka’ba] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security, And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And we charged Abraham and Ishmael, saying, ‘Purify My House for people who do tawaf, those who are staying [there] for worship, and those who kneel and prostrate [in prayer].” (Qur’an 2:125)
It’s a 1500-year-old practice since the time of the proclamation of Islam; Muslims from all over the world congregate around the Kaaba and recite sacred phrases as a pledge of their commitment to Allah almighty in the last month of the Islamic calendar (Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk).
Conclusion
The Five Pillars of Islam form the cornerstone of the Muslim faith, providing a cohesive structure that unifies adherents around the globe. Muslims express their devotion through Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj, connect with the Divine, and establish a sense of community and compassion. By accepting the Arkan-e-Islam, Muslims discover oneness inside their faith and their pursuit of virtue and spiritual fulfilment. These pillars are a testament to the immense oneness at Islam’s heart, transcending nations, cultures, and languages.
FAQs
five pillars of islam in urdu
نماز
روزہ
زکوٰۃ
حج
شہادت
five pillars of islam in Arabic – arkan e islam short note
الشَهادة
الصلاة
الزكاة
الصوم
الحج
arkan e islam kitne hai
5 arkan e islam