Islam - The Summit of Religious Evolution — Page 19
19 FAITH The declaration of faith ( kalima ) is the first step towards the implementation of Islamic faith. This declaration consists of two small sentences, which are the essence of Islam, and marks the act of conversion to Islam: There is none worthy of worship except God. Muhammad is the Messenger of God. PRAYER Saying the obligatory prayer is the most frequently repeated injunction in the Holy Quran. The Muslims are enjoined to offer five daily prayers facing Mecca. FASTING During the month of Ramadan all able, adult Muslims are required to fast from before sunrise to sunset. During this period, eating or drinking is totally prohibited and the individual is required to abstain from vulgar speech and acts. Travelers and sick people are temporarily exempted from fasting but must however make up for the lost fasts at another time or through charity if the person is incapable of fasting due to age or medical condition. The main purpose for fasting is as follows: • to obeys God's commandment. • fasting makes one feel humble and focuses attention towards prayer and almsgiving. It encourages a person to better relate to the condition of the poor and underprivileged. • fasting is a mini sacrifice of one's physical needs. Prayers and other forms of worships and generosity are more beneficial and spiritually more rewarding during this time. • being hungry, people remember and offer thanks to God for His Mercy and Grace in providing for them. • fasting is an excellent activity and a good training for the human body and soul. ZAKAT Zakat is the obligatory levy on the savings of the rich and is based on the individual's wealth. The rate of contribution varies with the kind of property but, on average, is about 2. 5% of the total value of the assets owned at the end of the year. The Zakat monies are intended for the following purposes: • Relieving poverty and distress • Helping poor in debt • Providing comfort and convenience for travelers • Providing stipends for scholarships • Providing ransom for prisoners of war • Propagation of Islam • Meeting the expenses for the collection of Zakat • Other things beneficial for the society