Islam is built upon five fundamental acts of worship known as the 5 Pillars of Islam. These pillars serve as the framework for a Muslim’s faith and practice. Understanding these pillars is very important for Muslims.
Prophetic Hadith about the 5 pillars of Islam
Sahih Bukhari 8: Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:
بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَالْحَجِّ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ
Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that no one has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
4. To perform Hajj (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca).
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
The Shahada is the first pillar and represents the foundation of a Muslim’s belief. It is a simple yet profound declaration that states:
“Ash hadu al la ilaha illallah, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadar rasulullah.”
(“I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.”)
This statement affirms the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Reciting the Shahada with sincere belief is what makes one a Muslim.
2. Salah (Prayer)
The second pillar, Salah, refers to the ritual prayer that Muslims perform five times a day. These prayers occur at specific times:
- Fajr (pre-dawn)
- Dhuhr (midday)
- Asr (afternoon)
- Maghrib (after sunset)
- Isha (night)
3. Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is the third pillar and represents the obligation of Muslims to give to those in need. It is a form of almsgiving and is considered a form of worship. Muslims who meet specific criteria (usually a certain level of savings from gold, silver, currency, animals, and business goods) are required to give a portion of their wealth, typically 2.5%, to those who are less fortunate. This act of charity purifies wealth and fosters a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims.
4. Sawm (Fasting)
The fourth pillar, Sawm, refers to fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. The fast is a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and worship.
Fasting is a means of developing self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper connection to Allah. It is also a time for community, as Muslims often break their fast together at sunset.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The fifth pillar, Hajj, is the pilgrimage to Masjidul Haram, the holy mosque of Mecca, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able to do so. Hajj occurs annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and involves a series of rituals over several days.