The five pillars consist of Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. Shahadah is the act of a Muslim sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith that expresses two fundamental beliefs. The profession of faith is “there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. The second pillar, Salat, is the performing of sacred rituals and prayers in a proper and respectful way five times a day. Zakat, is the paying of alms (or charity) to those less fortunate, poor or needy. Sawm, is the practice of fasting during the ninth month of the lunar calendar called Ramadan. During this time Muslims around the world spend daylight hours in a complete fast, refraining from consuming food, drink, and forgo other physical needs such as sex or smoking. The Final pillar, Hajj, is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Mecca is a mosque located in Ka’ba, Saudi Arabia. It is thought to have been built by Abraham. The focal point of the mosque is the Kaaba, or, ‘The House of God’. Islamic adherents residing in Australia have the opportunity to freely practice in this country due to the section in the constitution that states all religious beliefs can be practiced to ones will. According to BBC (2009) “Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslim is putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their secular …show more content…
Australia has been classified as many different types of abodes. Many Islamic scholars have similar views in what to classify Australia as but some disagree. There are many types of abodes. The most recognised are, Abode of Islam, Abode of Unbelief, Abode or War, Abode of Peace, and Abode of Covenant. Some scholars have seen Australia to be an Abode of Unbelief as it does not fully adhere to the religious laws and rules of Islam due to the country being a democracy. Others disagree, and classify Australia as an Abode of Islam, Peace or Covenant. This classification is due to the ability of Muslims who reside in Australia to have the free ability to safely practice their faith. “Australia cannot be labelled Islamic. But nor can Australia be labelled an Abode of War because it is not a Territory of War that is aggressive against its Muslim citizens.” (M.Abdalla, 2013). “Australia is bound by its constitution to protect all of its citizens, including minority religious communities such as the Muslims”. (M.Abdalla, 2013). These quotes show that due to the binding words of the constitution Australia must allow all religions to adhere to their beliefs, protect them as they are citizens of this country and thus Australia fulfils the requirements to become an Abode of Peace, Islam or