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Of the “five pillars of Islam,” the Shahadah (confession of faith) is the first. The remaining four pillars have to do with religious practices: (1) daily prayer, (2) giving alms, (3) fasting during Ramadan, and (4) pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). These four practices are termed “obligatory,” meaning that all Muslims are expected to do them.
Daily Prayer (Salat)
Muslims are expected to pray five times daily, beginning at the age of 7 years. The times are specified and in many communities are announced by a call to prayer (adhaan) made over a loudspeaker from the top of the mosque. The five times are at dawn before sunrise (al-fajr), midday after the sun reaches its zenith (al-zuhr), late part of the afternoon (al-‘asr), just after sunset (al-maghrib), and before midnight (as-isha).
Praying is an elaborate process. First, Muslims must clean themselves before prayer (called wudhu), which involves washing the right, and then the left hand three times; cleansing the mouth three times; cleansing the nose by breathing in water gently and expelling it three times; cleansing the face from the top of the forehead to the chin and up to both ears three times; cleansing the arms up to the elbow three times, beginning with the right; cleansing the head by passing wet hands once from the beginning of the hairline and over the head; cleansing the back and inside of the ears; and cleansing the foot up to the ankle beginning with the right.
Second, Muslims must lay out their prayer mat towards Mecca and begin praying by saying “Allahu Akbar” (“God is [the] greatest”), while raising hands to the ears or shoulders. All statements are in Arabic throughout the prayer. Third, they must place their right hand over the left on the chest or navel while in the standing position and read a short statement glorifying God and seeking His protection, followed by Surah Al Fatiha (first chapter of the Qur’an). Fourth, they bow at a 45 degree angle and say “Glory be to God, the Most Great” (Sub’hana rabiyal adheem) which is said three times. Fifth, Muslims prostrate themselves with only the palms, knees, toes, forehead and nose touching the ground, while repeating “Glory be to God, the Most High” three times (a callous on the forehead where it touches the ground is evidence of a devout prayer life, see 48:29).
Sixth, they move to a sitting position and recite “God is [the] Greatest” for a moment or two and then repeat it as they bow again with forehead and palms touching the ground as before, saying “Glory be to God, the Most High,” which completes the unit (each prayer session repeats the complete unit at least twice). Seventh, Muslims repeat “God is Great” and return to the sitting position, where they recite a set of short prayers praising God, sending peace on the Prophet, repeating the declaration of faith as they raise the forefinger of their right hand signifying their witness. The prayer ends after they turn to the right saying “Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah” and repeat it again after turning to the left.
These movements can be made quite rapidly if attention is focused without distraction, and may take anywhere from 4-8 minutes (not counting the time washing, called ablution). Men are required to say the prayers at the mosque on Fridays, although women are usually encouraged to say the prayers at home.
Giving Alms (Zakat or Zakab)
Muslims are required to give 2.5% annually of all assets owned continuously throughout the year, including cash savings, agricultural goods, gold, silver, stocks, and livestock. Excluded from the calculation are a person’s home, clothing, and household furniture. This is obligatory in Islam (based on 2:227, 3:92, and many other verses in the Qur’an). The Zakat is compulsory in Saudi Arabia, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sudan, but voluntary elsewhere. Some Muslims, in addition to the Zakat, give alms voluntarily called Sadaqah (charity). Charity is highly emphasised in the Qur’an and many blessings are promised to those who give it (2:110; 2:261; 2:2777; 70:22-24).
Fasting during Ramadan (Fard)
Muslims are required to fast “so that you may be mindful of God” (2:183). Fasting is obligatory during the month of Ramadan from dawn till sunset based on the Quran 2: 185. It is required for anyone who is mentally healthy, reached the age of puberty, and does not have a health reason for not fasting. Fasting means completely restraining from all foods, drink, intercourse, and smoking during these hours. Avoiding all forms of consumption helps to focus the mind on prayer and worship and impacts a person’s mood and mental state as well. There are also several non-obligatory fasts that may also be performed by Muslims at other times of the year (Wajib, Sunnah, Nafl, Makrooh, and Haram). Moderation, though, is emphasised. Muslims are encouraged not to over-eat (…”eat and drink [as We have permitted] but do not be extravagant: God does not like extravagant people”) (7:31; see also 20:81) or to fast excessively (“Verily, your own self has rights over you, so fast and break your fast, pray and sleep”) (Sunan Abi Dawud #1369).
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Haji)
Muslims are obligated to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at lest once during their lifetime if physically able and can afford to go (2:196). The Hajj (the largest pilgrimage in the world) takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Nearly two million Muslims go on the Hajj each year. During this time, pilgrims focus on their relationship with God and put behind them all of the problems causing stress in their lives (work, family, friendships). No improper speech, arguing or bad remarks about others are allowed during this time, whereas healthy interactions and a focus on God are encouraged (2:197). There is also plenty of physical exercise with walking and some running. Everyone – the rich, the poor, men, women, those from different countries and races – are considered equal before God during the Hajj. This increases community solidarity and gives a sense of being part of something much larger.
Conclusions
This chapter describes the practices that all Muslims are required to engage in (i.e., are obligatory) and those that are optional. Knowing about these practices (particularly the required daily prayer and fasting practices) will help mental health professionals and clergy to provide a comfortable and supportive environment in which to address the mental health needs of Muslim clients, whether that be in the outpatient clinic or inpatient hospital setting.