The 5 sacred laws of Islam (to be observed by every Muslim)

These are the rules that govern the life and conduct of practicing Muslims.

The religion of Islam, like the 3 main monotheistic religions, is based on several sacred guidelines to be able to grant the category of "faithful" to it. In the particular case that any of these prevailing regulations are violated, the subject will be declared impure.

At present, there are many scholars and specialists in Islamic theology who drive a wedge between the sacred and the interpretable because, as with jurisprudence, every law is a victim of manipulation. Nevertheless, in Islam we find a certain unanimity when it comes to declaring the 5 basic and irrefutable pillars to profess this faith.

When was Islam founded?

Islam is universally recognized as the last religion to descend from the heavens to reveal its message to the last great Prophet, Muhammad.. This Semitic religion (contrary to what many usually think) was created back in the year 622 in Saudi Arabia, exactly in the city of Mecca.

The first premise that Islam proclaims and that anyone should recognize when studying it, is the acceptance of "Allah as the only God and Mohammed as his last messenger". On the other hand, the Koran is the dogmatic book on which it is based, although the rest of the Jewish and Christian prophets are equally recognized, as well as the Bible and the Torah.

The 5 unconditional pillars of Islam

As could be the direct analogy with Christianity and its 10 commandments, in Islam only 5 pillars were dictated that support every basis and raison d'être. In the following lines we will explain in detail what they consist of.

1. The "shahada" (testimony)

The first of the pillars, as we have already commented in the introduction, supposes the acceptance and submission of the existence of Allah as the only and legitimate GodThe first pillar, as already mentioned in the introduction, involves the acceptance and submission to the existence of Allah as the only legitimate God, thus denying polytheism, and recognizing that Muhammad is the last prophet and the one to be believed.

2. The "salat" (exercise of prayer)

The Koran stresses this point with great importance, assuring that "whoever deprives himself of the salat, will be deprived of paradise".. During the early expansion of Islam, the initial prayer was performed up to 30 times approximately. God, say expert historians, lowered that series to 5 times to please his devout followers.

These five prayers are based on solar time, which changes throughout the year. The first prayer coincides with sunrise (dawn), noon, mid-afternoon, twilight and night, always facing Mecca.

3. The "zakat" (giving alms)

It is recognized as a tax that the faithful must deposit on their private property.. That is, a minimum percentage on the value of the money that one has, vehicle or any other type of property. In theory it is 3% of the total of all the goods, but the will of each Muslim runs at his discretion, being able to contribute more than the stipulated amount.

4. The "sawm" (fasting)

Along with prayer, this is probably the second most important pillar, as it requires an exercise of sacrifice that will judge an exercise of sacrifice that will judge the devotion of the Muslims.. The month of Ramadan (holy month) includes this commandment, which consists of fasting from food and water all day long without exception; from dawn to dusk for no less than 29 days and no more than 30.

5. The "hajj" (pilgrimage to the holy place)

The last but not least of the sacred laws that close with this chapter of the 5 pillars. There are specifically three sacred places for Muslims: Mecca and Medina first, because it was the stone that Adam himself raised as a sacred sanctuary (the Kaaba) and the place where Islam was born. Then there is Jerusalem (Al-Quds in Arabic), where the golden-domed mosque is located, since it was from there that Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Some considerations

Although on many occasions religions can be intransigent, in the case we are dealing with the 5 sacred laws of Islam, there are some exceptions to the fulfillment of them. For example, in the case of almsgiving, those who are in dire straits to cover their living expenses are exempt from compliance.

In points 4 and 5 (prayer and pilgrimage) something similar happens. If a person suffers from any kind of pathology or physical limitation, he/she is also excused from fasting.. However, he is obliged to make up for his exception by feeding the needy. The pilgrimage must be made as long as one has the resources to do so.

In point 3 there is no excuse to avoid its practice, because even if a person has reduced mobility or other type of physical difficulty, the Koran advises to pray in the most comfortable way possible, for example, sitting.