The five pillars of Islam

The majority of Qataris are devout Muslims, and religion is a part of a life in a way it has not been in most of Europe for a very long time. Because of this, the Five Pillars of Islam, five duties which every Muslim should carry out, are of great importance to most Qataris.

Shadada (the profession of faith)

“There is no God except God and Mohammed is his prophet.” (Ashadu allah illaha illauhlah wa ashadu anna mohammedan rasulu-llah).These words are whispered into a new-born child’s ears, are spoken upon conversion to Islam and will be recited when people die. During normal life it is uttered during prayer.

Salat (prayer) Listen to Adhan, the call to prayer

Sunnis should pray five times a day (Shia pray three times a day). Prayer is made towards the Kabbah in Mecca. During the prayer a Muslim will get to his knees and touch his face to the ground as a sign of obedience towards God. However, it is acceptable for the sick and infirm to perform a reduced form of the prayer, for example from a sitting position. Prayer should be made in Arabic if possible.

Zakat (alms tax)

Every Muslim who is financially able should give Zakat to the poor and needy. Zakat means purification, and Muslims believe that giving away a portion of their wealth every year purifies the rest. Zakat consists of one fortieth of a Muslim’s wealth – although this does not include items essential for carrying out a profession. Donations can be made to the poor or homeless, to tax collectors, slaves, debtors, needy travelers, converts or those close to converting and those carrying out religious war (Jihad). An additional Zakat (Zakat Ul-Fitr) occurs at the end of Ramadan and should be enough to feed a needy person.

Sawm (fasting)

Fasting primarily takes place during the month of Ramadan, which celebrates the time in which the Koran was handed down to Muslims. Devout Muslims abstain from food, water, tobacco and sex from sunrise to sunset. The old and infirm can be excused, as can pregnant and menstruating women – although they should make up for it at a later date if possible. Devout Muslims also do additional fasting outside the month of Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that fasting is beneficial to health, and also that it leads to an increased empathy with the poor.

Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it should make the trip to Mecca at least one time in their lives. Hajj must be taken in the twelfth (lunar) month of the year. During the Hajj Muslims circle the Kabbah seven times, go seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, stone walls that represent the devil and pray together on the plains of Arafat. (These were originally statues, but walls have now been built instead because of the sheer number of pilgrims participating in the ritual). Outside the designated times for Hajj Muslims can perform the Umrah pilgrimage which is non-obligatory but never-the-less highly valued.

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