Sixth pillar of Islam

This page is intended to hold information that pertains to the phrase "sixth pillar of Islam", and its history of use.

Table of contents 1 Introduction 2 Beyond the Five Pillars of Islam 3 History of use 1 See also

Introduction

The term Sixth pillar of Islam refers to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are widely used by Muslims to explain the basic tenets of their faith. The term can mean Hajj, Allegiance to the Imam, or Jihad, depending on who is using it. Muslims who adhere to the view that Islam has five pillars might find the insertion of a sixth pillar to be offensive.

Beyond the Five Pillars of Islam

If one takes divergent views into account regarding the Five Pillars of Islam, then the sixth pillar may also be considered to be Allegiance to the Imam (walaaya) [1] (http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/israel/daliyat-al-karmil/19990115-druze-qanda.htm), and the seventh pillar of Islam is then Jihad.

On the other hand, according to Ismailis, the pillars of Islam include the usual five, plus Allegiance to the Imam [2] (http://ismaili.net/~heritage/mirrors/73-bhoras/bohras.html), and Jihad.

One fine point to consider is the exact ordering taken by Ismailis is as follows:

1. Walayah[?] (love and devotion) for Allah, the Prophets, the imam and the dai
2. tahrah[?] (purity & cleanliness)
3. salah[?] (prayers)
4. zakah (purifying religious dues)
5. sawm[?] (fasting)
6. hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
7. jihad (holy war)

(See [3] (http://ismaili.net/~heritage/mirrors/73-bhoras/bohras.html))

In this case, the sixth pillar of Islam is hajj, not Allegiance to the Imam, and not Jihad.

History of use

According to Kenneth R. Timmerman's book, "Preachers of Hate: Islam and the War on America," and his Washington Times article "Truth from the mouths of terrorists" [4] (http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20030619-082739-6507r.htm) (published June 19, 2003), the sixth pillar of Islam is violent jihad. In Timmerman's words, "Think of it: Murder has become the sixth pillar of Islam, according to the terrorists. Where are the Muslim leaders to denounce this?"

The phrase has also been used by orientalists, and some Muslims, although the meanings plainly can differ widely.

See also

• list of Islamic terms in Arabic
• modern Islamic philosophy