There are 5 Pillars of Islam that are obligatory practices all Muslims are expected to fulfil through their lives. The Five Pillars are what define the essence of the religion of Islam. These Pillars are the foundation of faith and are mandatory to be upheld. In this guide we will learn about the Five Pillars and the importance of them in Islam.
The five Pillars of Islam come from the revelation and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Although there is no direct mentioning of the 5 Pillars of Islam in the Quran, there are many references within the Quran about the core duties of Islam that involve the five Pillars. The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is what elaborates on the 5 Pillars of Faith in Islam.
“Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Shahada is the first Pillar of Islam and is an Arabic term for declaring the faith in One God (Allah) and His Messenger (PBUH).
Shahada is the most sacred statement in Islam and the greatest act in stepping towards submission to Allah.
The Shahada consists of the following declaration
Shahada Transliteration: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah.”
Shahada Translation: “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah (there is none worthy of worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
The belief in the Oneness of Allah is at the forefront of Islamic faith. Without this foundation, there is no Islam. The recital of the Shahada is to acknowledge and testify in the belief in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) being the Messenger of Allah. The declaration of the Shahada is that step towards submission to Allah. A person who wants to accept Islam is required to recite the Shahada. Praying the Shahada with intent marks a non-believer’s entrance into Islam, making them a Muslim.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said “No worshipper has ever said La ilaha illa Allah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) sincerely, except that the gates of the heavens are opened for it, until it reaches to the Throne, so long as he avoids the major sins.”
Salat is the second Pillar of Islam and is the act of worship sent down by Allah. An obligatory prayer, Salat must be performed five times a day at prescribed timings.
The purpose of Salah is to form a connection with Allah and stand humbly before Him. After Shahada, Salat is the most important Pillar of Islam. The timings of performing Salat are set through the day to foster discipline and a reminder to submit to our Lord, seeking His guidance and blessings.
It has been narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PNUH) has said “The first deed for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is good then he will have prospered and succeeded, but if it is bad then he will be doomed and have lost.” [Tirmidhi]
Salah has been sent down to be performed at fixed timings. The five daily prayers are as follows:
Salah is what distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said “Between disbelief and faith is abandoning the Salah.” [Tirmidhi].
Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon a Muslim who meets the criteria of being able to donate. The literal translation of the Arabic word Zakat is ‘to purify’, meaning to purify one’s wealth by distributing earnings to the poor.
“Establish Prayer, and pay Alms-tax (Zakat). Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will certainly find it’s reward with Allah. Surely Allah id All-Seeing of what you do.” [Quran 2:110]
Zakat is paid annually. It is based on the value of a person’s income and the value of their possessions. The minimum amount for those who qualify must calculate 2.5% of their applicable wealth and savings and pay this as Zakat.
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or enslaved people] and for those in debt and the cause of Allah and the [stranded] traveller – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” [Quran 9:60]
Zakat can only be donated to people who sit within the eight categories mentioned in the Quran and so it’s important for those who donate Zakat to give it to someone who falls within the following group.
The fourth Pillar in Islam is Sawm, the act of fasting in the month of Ramadan during daylight hours – from sunrise to dusk.
“It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So, any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.” [Quran 2:185]
“Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed upon you, as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness (Taqwa)” [Quran 2:183]
The purpose of fasting in the month of Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink. It is to establish the connection with Allah, and to test your belief in the Oneness of your Lord. Fasting teaches you the virtues of patience by practicing self-control, and gratitude by appreciating the blessings of Allah, reflecting on the lives of the less fortunate.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim believer. There are however exemptions to fasting for certain individuals:
In many cases, missed fasts are expected to be made up later, however those who are unable to make them up must pay Fidya (a charitable donation providing two meals for each fast missed to feed a poor person).
The fifth and final Pillar of Islam is Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah. It is mandatory upon all Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially capable.
“O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.” [Muslim]
The performance of Hajj is to follow the order of ritual done by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his last pilgrimage to Makkah. It involves a process of:
Pilgrims must enter a state of spiritual purity by wearing an unstitched white garment, making the pure intention of performing Hajj.
Twaf involves walking anticlockwise seven times around the Ka’ba.
Pilgrims then walk between the hills of Safah and Marwah seven times.
Arafah is the most important step in which Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat praying to Allah from noon till sunset.
Following Arafah, pilgrims make their way to Muzdalifah and spend the night there.
The morning after, Pilgrims make their way to the tents of Mina and begin to stone Shaitan by throwing pebbles at him. (The act of stone throwing is required to be done over three days).
Hajj is not complete until each Pilgrim makes sacrifice of an animal.
Hair cutting at Hajj signifies spiritual cleaning, and a physical act of humbling yourself in front of Allah.
The Farewell Tawaf is the last and final act of worship, to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings He granted upon the Pilgrim. It serves as a farewell to Makkah and the Ka’ba.
The 5 Pillars of Islam define the identity of a Muslim. All the above practices bring together the community of believers in Islam, following the act of worship and devotion to strengthen the connection with Allah. The 5 Pillars of Islam remind a believer of their life purpose, and principally support to surrender wholly to their Creator – Allah.
Help support us at Global Ehsan Relief by donating to our appeals and projects in place. We aim to make a change around the world, working to eradicate inequalities and commit to long term development of building a fairer and safer world.
Donate to one of our emergency appeals and help make a difference to someone’s life.
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.” [Tirmidhi]
