The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim’s life, serving as five essential obligations that strengthen one’s connection with Allah.
Despite their importance, many people (both Muslims and non-Muslims) may not fully understand their depth. This is why we created this comprehensive guide, to walk you through each pillar.
What are the Pillars of Islam?
The pillars of Islam consist of 5 pillars; each pillar has a unique role in building a balanced faith. In the following lines, let us review these five pillars in detail.
- Shahada
- Salah (Prayer)
- Zakat (Charity)
- Sawm Ramadan (Fasting)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
1- Shahada
Shahada is considered the first pillar of the pillars of Islam, and it represents the beginning of entering Islam, and it is the recognition that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasool Allah”.
2- Salah (Prayer)
Prayer is the second pillar and a direct connection with Allah. It is considered the boundary between Muslims and disbelievers, according to the noble Hadith: The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is the prayer; so whoever abandons it has disbelieved, “العَهْدُ الذي بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَهُمُ الصَّلَاةُ، فَمَنْ تَرَكَهَا فَقَدْ كَفَرَ”.
There are 5 prayers imposed on Muslims, and they must be performed at their specified times throughout the day, and they are:
- Fajr
- Dhuhr
- Asr
- Maghrib
- Isha
3- Zakat (Charity) is the third pillar of Islam
Zakat is a mandatory charitable act aimed at supporting the poorest groups in society. It is obligatory for every Muslim, imposed in a specific amount, and performed at a specific time, unlike Sadaqah.
And there are many Quranic verses that encourage Muslims to give Zakat, including:
And establish the prayer, and give zakat, and whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. No doubt, He sees all that you do, “وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَؕ-وَ مَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِكُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ”.
4- Sawm Ramadan (Fasting)
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation on every sane adult Muslim, and it is the fourth pillar of the pillars of Islam, and the month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri months.
5- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The fifth pillar of the pillars of Islam is Hajj, and it is an obligation upon every adult, sane Muslim who is financially and physically able to perform it once in a lifetime, as it is mandatory only for those who can find a way to it (financial and physical ability)
The obligation of Hajj is performed in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah every year (The twelfth month of the Hijri calendar), during the period of the blessed Eid al-Adha.
Conclusion
The five pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and daily life. They consist of the Shahada, prayer, zakat, fasting, and Hajj. And these pillars teach Muslims how to worship Allah, care for others, and live with purpose and wisdom.
