Sixth Pillar of Islam
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This page is intended to hold information that pertains to the phrase "sixth pillar of Islam", and its history of use.
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 meaning of the term varies depending on who is using it.
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], and there is a seventh pillar of Islam, considered to be Jihad.
On the other hand, taking the view of Ismaili's into account, the pillars of Islam would include the usual five, plus:
- Allegiance to the Imam [2]
- Jihad
One fine point to consider is the exact ordering taken by Ismailis is as follows:
- Walayah (love and devotion) for Allah, the Prophets, the imam and the dai
- tahrah (purity & cleanliness)
- salah (prayers)
- zakah (purifying religious dues)
- sawm (fasting)
- hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
- jihad (holy war)
(See [3])
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] (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.