What are the 5 Pillars of Islam?

Seeking to deepen your understanding of Islamic beliefs and daily practices? The Five Pillars of Islam form the core of the Muslim religion, offering structure to Muslims around the world on how to live their lives. Learn more about these core teachings in the article below.

What do the Five pillars of Islam mean?

The five pillars of Islam are the five basic principles that are the main requirements for being a devout Muslim. 

These five principles consist of: 

1. Shahada (declaration of faith) 

2. Salah (prayer)

3. Zakat (almsgiving)

4. Sawm (fasting)

5. Hajj (pilgrimage) for those who are able.

The origin of the pillars of Islam comes from the story of the Prophet's Companions. Umar bin Khattab narrated that one day he and the Companions were in the assembly of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Suddenly, a man entered the assembly.

The man said, 

"O Muhammad, tell me about Islam." The Prophet replied, "Islam is that you testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, that you establish prayer, give alms, fast in the month of Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House of Allah if you are able to do so"

(Muslim)

It was later discovered that the man was an angel in human form. With Allah's permission, the angel appeared in human form to teach knowledge to the Prophet. The knowledge taught to the Prophet at that time was about the things that Muslims should do.

Five pillars in Islam

Here's a breakdown of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims should fulfill:

1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith) 

The shahada is the declaration of faith that are said by Muslims as proof of their belief in embracing Islam. The shahada is: "Ashhadu an-laa ilaaha illallaah Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasuulullaah."

This means:

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that the Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

If you want to become Muslim, you are required to say the above before entering Islam

As written in the Quran:

“Allah ˹Himself˺ is a Witness that there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—and so are the angels and people of knowledge. He is the Maintainer of justice. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Almighty, All-Wise.”

(Ali-Imran, verse 18)

2. Salah (Prayer)

The second pillar of Islam is prayer or salah. Prayer is a key form of worship for Muslims and serves as a way for individuals to communicate with Allah SWT, asking for His forgiveness and pleasure.

Prayer is an obligatory act of worship that must be performed. Muslims are required to pray five times a day:

1. Fajr (dawn prayer)

2. Dhuhr (noon prayer)

3. Asr (afternoon prayer)

4. Maghrib (sunset prayer)

5. Isha (night prayer).

'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet's wife, said:

"The first prayer that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was obliged to pray was two Rak'ahs, except for Maghrib, which is three Rak'ahs. Then Allah made the Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers four Rak'ahs when he was present (not traveling) and made the prayers during travel obligatory as the initial two Rak'ahs." 

(Ahmad)

Salah is prayed at specific times during the day. Want to know the salah times in your city? Check out our prayer timetable here. Moreover, if you're curious about other prayers like Taraweeh or Istikharah, we've got you covered! 

3. Sawm (Fasting)

The purpose of fasting is to develop the quality of righteousness (taqwa) by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our thoughts and desires. Fasting is a deeply spiritual practice that is meant to benefit us in body, mind, and heart.

However, activities that break the fast include intentionally eating or drinking, engaging in marital relations, smoking, intentionally vomiting, as well as menstruation or postnatal bleeding.

As written in the Al Quran:

"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may fear Allah." 

(Surah Al Baqarah, verse 183)

4. Zakat (Charity)

Zakat comes from the word "zaka," which means purity, goodness, blessing, growth, and development. Zakat is a specific portion of wealth that every Muslim is obliged to give if certain conditions are met. 

This portion, or nisab, is generally 2.5% of a Muslim's savings and wealth above a minimum amount. The nisab threshold is equivalent to the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver and is determined after one lunar year (hawl) has passed. The exact value can vary based on current market prices of gold and silver.

As written in the Al Quran:

"Take zakat from some of their wealth, with which you will purify and cleanse them. And pray for them. Verily, your prayer [will be] a peace of mind for them. And Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing." 

(Surah At-Taubah, verse 103)

According to Islamic teachings, the following eight categories of people are entitled to receive zakat:

1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those who do not have sufficient means to live a decent life.

2. The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those who may have some income but not enough to meet their basic needs.

3. Zakat Collectors (Al-Amilina 'Alayha): Those appointed to collect and distribute zakat.

4. New Converts to Islam (Al-Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum): Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, including new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community.

5. Slaves and Captives (Ar-Riqab): Those who are enslaved or in bondage, to help them gain their freedom.

6. Those in Debt (Al-Gharimin): Those who are in debt and unable to meet their basic needs.

7. In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): Those who are striving in the way of Allah, including but not limited to, funding for religious and educational purposes.

8. The Wayfarer (Ibn As-Sabil): Those who are stranded or traveling with insufficient means to complete their journey.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)  

Performing the pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. It is done during the month of Hajj or Dhul-lhijah. Hajj is obligatory for those who are able, as traveling to the Holy Land requires extensive preparation, financial resources, and physical readiness.

If you want to learn more about Hajj preparation, check out the comprehensive Hajj guide here.

As written in the Quran:

"There are clear signs, (among them) the station of Ibrahim. Whoever enters it (the House of Allah) is secure. And (among) the obligations of man towards Allah is to make the pilgrimage to the House of Allah, for those who are able to travel there. Whoever denies (the obligation) of Hajj, then know that Allah is All-Sufficient (in need of nothing) of all the worlds."

(Surah Ali Imran, verse 97)

Conclusion

The Five Pillars of Islam are essential practices that define a Muslim's faith and actions. Shahada, Salah, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj guide Muslims in their devotion, discipline, charity, and spiritual growth.

By fulfilling these pillars, Muslims strengthen their relationship with Allah and lay a foundation for a balanced and meaningful life in accordance with Islamic teachings.

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