What are the important Muslim Obligations ?

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In Islam, the most important obligations for Muslims are structured around faith, worship, and ethical living. These obligations are primarily rooted in the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of a Muslim's life. Here are the key obligations:

The Five Pillars of Islam (Fard – Obligatory Acts)

1. Shahada (Faith)

* Declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
* This is the core belief and entry point into Islam.

2. Salah (Prayer)

Performing the five daily prayers:

* Fajr (dawn)
* Dhuhr (midday)
* Asr (afternoon)
* Maghrib (sunset)
* Isha (night)

* These prayers are obligatory and must be performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca.

3. Zakat (Charity)

* Giving 2.5% of one’s annual savings to the poor and needy.
* It purifies wealth and promotes social welfare.

4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

* Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
* Includes abstaining from food, drink, and immoral behavior.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

* A once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able.
* Takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

Other Important Obligations

* Belief in the Six Articles of Faith:

1. Belief in Allah
2. Belief in angels
3. Belief in revealed scriptures (Qur'an, Torah, Gospel, etc.)
4. Belief in prophets (including Muhammad ﷺ as the final prophet)
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
6. Belief in divine decree (Qadar), both good and bad

Halal Living:

* Consuming permissible (halal) food and earning a lawful income.
* Avoiding forbidden (haram) actions, like alcohol, usury (interest), and unethical behavior.

Modesty and Behavior:

* Maintaining modesty in dress and actions.
* Honesty, kindness, and respect for parents and others are highly emphasized.

Seeking Knowledge:

* Gaining both religious and worldly knowledge is considered an obligation in Islam.