We received these questions from one of our viewers;
Salamun Alaykum,
<< I have three questions regarding the five
pillars. Firstly, from what source have you identified them. I realise that
they are all mentioned in the Qu'ran, but, where are they referred to as
the "Five Pillars" indicating five essential duties of a Muslim.
>>
This is something that came to us all the way from Abraham. These "pillars"
or duties were already in existence at the time of revelation of the Quran.
This is why we read so early on in the revelation of the Quranic verses,
the commandment to observe the Contact Prayers, and also about Muhammad being
ordered to follow the religion of Abraham in 16:123.
Just as we know that we have to say the Alfatehah in our prayers, we also
know that the duties that came to us from Abraham - the original messenger
of Islam - are the pillars of our religion. It is God's will that He preserved
this information for us generation after generation (please read 22:78).
<< Secondly, much is made of the five daily prayers.
Where in the Qu'ran are all five mentioned in one verse ie forming a set.
>>
There is no single verse mentioning all of the five prayers. 24:58 mentions
three of them - Fajr (dawn), Zohr (noon), and Ishaa (night). 11:114 also
mentions three of the prayers - Fajr, Maghrib (sunset) and Ishaa. 17:78 mentions
Zohr, and 2:238 mentions Asr (afternoon).
<< Also, why is it believed that God would REQUIRE
a procedure where prayer is concerned, as opposed to desiring that man/woman
call upon/pray to/ worship Him in that way which suits them.
>>
This whole life is a test to distinguish those who will willingly submit
to God's command or not. It is God's choice what those commands are to be.
Thus, by obeying God we demonstrate that we submit to the fact that God is
our Only Lord and Master, not anyone else, including ourselves (22:32).
We have to remember that Satan believes in God, but is still going to Hell.
The reason he is going to Hell is because he doesn't understand that Only
God can be a god, and Only God knows what is good for us.
Wanting to do it "our way" and not "God's way" is what put us here on earth
to start with. This life is our last chance to repent and demonstrate that
we now know better. We do this by joining those who say "We hear and we obey"
to whatever God is commanding us to do (5:7, 24:51).
As we've now learned much more about what sets the specific Contact Prayers
apart from other forms of worship, such as imploring, praying to, thanking,
remembering, etc., we realize that the Contact Prayers are a tremendous gift
from God. They belong in a very special group of provisions He has given
that we may develop our souls. This provision is not to be taken for granted.
As we learn from the Quran there were generations since the time of Abraham
that lost this gift (19:59).
When we observe the duties God has given us, we are preparing our souls for
the eternal Hereafter by feeding our souls with energy. This is why we read
in the Quran that those "whose weights are heavy" will be the winners in
the Hereafter. They will be heavy because they fed their souls with the best
nourishment.
Observing the Contact Prayers is like eating wholesome meals several times
a day, compared to living on snacks.
Surely by remembering God, imploring Him, thanking Him, and so on, we are
nourishing, "feeding," our souls, and this is all good - God loves that.
This is why we read in the Quran that we should praise, glorify and remember
God throughout our days as well as during both ends of the days and the night
(20:130). But all this can never give us the amount of growth that observing
the pure Contact Prayers and other duties will.
ANYBODY, regardless of what they call his or her religion, who fulfills the
criteria of believing in God, the Hereafter and lead a righteous life,
have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve (2:62, 5:69).
Believing in God however means believing in His words. Thus, if someone knows
that the Quran has been verified with a proof from God, that someone cannot
ignore this fact, and the commandment to observe the Contact Prayers, and
still fall under the category of those who believe in God and lead a righteous
life.
<< Finally, do you think the descriptions of
Heaven and Hell are to be taken literally or allegorically?
>>
Allegorically. As God says in 32:17 about those who are blessed with Paradise;
[32:17] You have no idea how much joy and happiness are waiting for you
as a reward for your (righteous) works.
The descriptions of Heaven and Hell as presented to us now, is to nullify
the excuses of those who would say, "If we would have known how terrible
Hell really was, we would never have done what we did."
Also note that throughout the Quran, whenever a description of Hell is mentioned,
the promise of bliss and beauty for the righteous, is mentioned along side
it. God is the Most Merciful.
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