The 5 sacred laws of Islam

The religion of Islam, like the 3 main monotheistic religions, rely on various sacred guidelines to be able to grant the category of "faithful" to it. In the particular case that any of these prevailing regulations is 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 since, as happens with jurisprudence, all laws are victims of handling. However, in Islam we find a certain unanimity when it comes to declaring the 5 basic and irrefutable pillars to profess said faith.

• Related article: "The 6 differences between being an Arab and being a Muslim"

When was Islam founded?

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

The first premise proclaimed by Islam and that any person must recognize when studying it, is the acceptance of "Allah as the only God and Muhammad 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 all bases and reasons for being. In the following lines we will explain in detail what they consist of.

1. The “shahada” (testimony)

The first of the pillars, as we already mentioned in the introduction, supposes the acceptance and submission of the existence of Allah as the only and legitimate God., thus denying polytheism, and recognizing in the same way that Muhammad is the last prophet and who must be believed.

2. The "salat" (exercise prayer)

In the Qur'an, this point is very important, assuring that "anyone who deprives himself of salat will be deprived of paradise". During the early expansion of Islam, the initial prayer consisted of performing up to 30 times approximately. God, say the expert historians, lowered that series to 5 times to please his devoted followers.

These five prayers are based on solar time, which changes throughout the year. The first sentence coincides with sunrise (dawn), at noon, midafternoon, twilight and night, always oriented in the direction of Mecca.

3. Zakat (giving alms)

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

4. The “sawm” (fasting)

Surely, together with prayer, it is the second most important pillar, since it requires a sacrificial exercise that will judge the devotion of Muslims. The month of Ramadan (holy month) includes this commandment, which consists of fasting on water and food throughout the day without any exception; from dawn to dusk for not less than 29 days and not 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, since 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 Muhammad ascended to heaven from there.

Some considerations

Although on many occasions religions can be intransigent, in the case at hand with the 5 sacred laws of Islam, there are some exceptions to their compliance. For example, in the case of almsgiving, those who are in a limit situation to cover their living expenses are exempt from complying with it.

In points 4 and 5 (prayer and pilgrimage) something similar occurs. If a person suffers from any type of pathology or physical limitation, he is also forgiven for practicing fasting.. Of course, he is obliged to make up for his exception by feeding those in need. The pilgrimage must be carried out as long as the resources are available for it.

In point 3 there is no type of pardon and/or excuse to avoid its practice, because even if a person has reduced mobility or other types of physical difficulties, the Qur'an advises praying in the most comfortable way possible, sitting example.