WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2021 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

There are five basic pillars of Islam: 1. The Shahada: this is the Profession of Faith, the affirmation of the statement that 'there is no God but God and Muhammad is His prophet.' It simply underscores the monotheistic nature of Islam and is an extremely popular phrase in Arabic calligraphy, appearing in numerous manuscripts and religious buildings. 2. Daily Prayers (Salat): Muslims are expected to pray five times a day, compulsorily attending the mosque to perform salah with the congregation, facing towards Mecca. The salah involves standing with recitation of Suratul Fatihah and ruku and sujud, with different types of ad-Dhikr in different forms as a symbol of reverence and submission to Allah. On Friday, many Muslims attend a mosque near midday to pray and listen to a sermon (khutba). 3. Alms-Giving (Zakat): the giving of alms is the third pillar; it is well specified in the Qur'an, and there are authentic narrations that it is 2.5% of the wealth that is expected to be paid as Zakat, shared among eight categories of people as specified in Qur'an 9:60. 4. Fasting during Ramadan (Saum): during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to dusk. While there are exceptions for the sick, elderly and pregnant, all are expected to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): all Muslims who are able are mandated to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding holy sites at least once in a lifetime. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the Kaabah and circumambulating around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar.