Five Pillars of Islam

WHAT ARE THEY

The Five Pillars of Islam represent the foundational acts of worship and practice in Islam, considered obligatory for all Muslims. These pillars outline the basic framework of a Muslim's faith and practices, serving as guidelines for spiritual life and personal development.

SHAHADAH (FAITH)

The Shahada is the declaration of faith and the first pillar of Islam. It is the statement,

لا إله إلا الله، محمد رسول الله

"La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah," which translates to "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This proclamation affirms the monotheistic essence of Islam and the acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet. The Shahada is a Muslim's declaration of belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the entry point into Islam and is recited during the conversion process, daily prayers, and at various rituals throughout a Muslim's life.

SALAH (PERFORMING PRAYERS)

Salah is the Islamic practice of formal prayer and the second pillar. Muslims are required to perform five obligatory prayers each day at specific times: before dawn (Fajr), midday after the sun passes its highest point (Dhuhr), the mid-afternoon (Asr), just after sunset (Maghrib), and in the evening (Isha). Salah is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah and is performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca. It involves a series of movements and recitations, including verses from the Quran. Salah serves as a constant reminder of the importance of faith and the submission to God's will.

ZAKAT (ALMSGIVING)

Zakat, the third pillar, is the compulsory giving of a set proportion of one's wealth to charity, typically to the needy and poor. It is considered both a form of worship and of self-purification. Zakat is not viewed merely as "charity"; it is an obligation for those who are financially able, serving to balance social inequality. The standard amount is usually 2.5% of a Muslim's total savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as nisab, calculated after one lunar year.

SAWM (FASTING ON RAMADAN)

Sawm refers to fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, the fourth pillar of Islam. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. The fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a closer bond with Allah. It is also a time for self-reflection, patience, and compassion for those less fortunate. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a festive holiday called Eid al-Fitr.

PERFORMING HAJ (IF ONE CAN AFFORD)

The fifth pillar of Islam is the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, if physically and financially able. The Hajj is performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Pilgrims participate in a series of rituals including walking seven times around the Kaaba, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and standing in vigil on the plains of Arafat. The Hajj represents the unity of Muslims worldwide and their submission to Allah.