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What are the Five Pillars of Islam? How are these religious obligations manifested in religious architecture?

User Champe
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Final answer:

The Five Pillars of Islam consist of Shahadah (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm of Ramadan (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). These pillars influence Islamic religious architecture, such as the inclusion of minarets, the qibla in mosques, and the importance of Mecca, especially the Kaaba for the Hajj.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are fundamental principles that guide the lives of Muslims and are considered mandatory acts of worship. The Five Pillars are:

  1. Shahadah (confession of faith) - Declaring there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet.
  2. Salat (prayer) - Performing five daily prayers while facing the holy city of Mecca.
  3. Zakat (charity) - Giving alms to assist those in need.
  4. Sawm of Ramadan (fasting) - Fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.
  5. Hajj (pilgrimage) - Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if able.

Manifestation in Religious Architecture

In terms of religious architecture, these obligations have a profound influence. Mosques are designed with minarets from which calls to prayer (adhan) are announced. The direction of Mecca is signified by a niche in the wall of a mosque, known as the qibla. Communities often gather at mosques for Friday prayers, emphasizing unity and the communal aspect of worship. The holy city of Mecca itself, especially the Kaaba within the Masjid al-Haram, is the most significant architectural symbol of the Hajj pilgrimage.

User Nycolas Silvestre
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