بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful)
We begin with the authentic sources: the Qur’an and the Sunnah as understood by the Salaf. First, we will present the hadith that outlines the five pillars of Islam, followed by a clear explanation of each pillar, its importance, and its virtues.
It is narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah son of ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
Islam is based on five pillars:
testifying that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka’ba), and the fast of Ramadan.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 16c
In-book reference: Book 1, Hadith 21
Islam is based upon five pillars:
- Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is His servant and messenger. This is the declaration of faith (Shahādah) without which no deed is accepted.
- Establishing the prayer (Ṣalāh) — the obligatory act of worship performed five times daily at prescribed times, maintaining a direct link between the servant and his Lord.
- Giving Zakat — paying 2.5% (one-fortieth) of one’s qualifying wealth annually. It is only obligatory on those whose wealth reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and after the passage of one lunar year.
- Performing Hajj to the House (Ka‘bah) — an obligation once in a lifetime for physically and financially capable people.
- Fasting during Ramadan — abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset throughout the blessed month.
The Importance of the Five Pillars
The five pillars form the very foundation of Islam. Without them, a person’s Islam is incomplete or even invalid. True success lies in fulfilling these obligations sincerely for Allah alone, following the Sunnah of the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), without innovation (bid‘ah) or negligence. Moreover, they define a Muslim’s relationship with not only Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), but also the Muslim community, shaping every aspect of their life.
1. Shahada (Testimony of Faith)
The Shahada is the first step to entering Islam and the key to salvation. It affirms the oneness of Allah and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). This declaration distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims and signifies a commitment to a life of worship and submission to Allah.
2. Salah (Prayer)
Salah is the daily act of worship that connects the believer directly with Allah. It serves as a reminder of the purpose of life, helping Muslims stay mindful of their duties. Prayer brings structure to a Muslim’s day and is a constant source of spiritual rejuvenation. It also acts as a measure of a person’s commitment to their faith.
3. Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
Zakat serves as a means of purifying wealth and promoting social justice. By giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, Muslims contribute to the welfare of society and reduce inequality. Zakat fosters a sense of community and responsibility, ensuring that wealth circulates fairly within the Muslim Ummah.
4. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
Fasting during Ramadan is a means of self-discipline and spiritual purification. It strengthens one’s relationship with Allah by developing patience, empathy, and gratitude. It is a reminder of the blessings of Allah and the importance of relying on Him for sustenance. Through fasting, Muslims also learn to control their desires and develop better character.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is an obligation for those who are able, but it holds immense importance for the Muslim Ummah as a whole. It is a physical and spiritual journey that signifies submission to Allah. The unity displayed during Hajj, where Muslims from all over the world gather to worship Allah, reinforces the concept of the global brotherhood of Islam. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgement.
Virtues of the Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars are not only obligations but are among the greatest means to earn Allah’s pleasure, forgiveness, and entrance into Paradise. Each pillar carries unique virtues that benefit the servant in this life and the next.
1. Virtues of the Shahada (Testimony of Faith)
- It is the greatest statement a person can utter.
- Whoever says it sincerely will be admitted into Paradise.
- It wipes away all previous sins upon entering Islam.
- It is the foundation upon which all deeds are built.
2. Virtues of Salah (Prayer)
- It is the first matter to be judged on the Day of Resurrection.
- It expiates sins committed between the prayers when major sins are avoided.
- It is a light for the believer in this world and the Hereafter.
- It serves as a barrier against immorality and evil deeds.
3. Virtues of Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
- It purifies the wealth and the heart from greed.
- It brings blessings (barakah) into one’s wealth.
- It protects the giver from severe punishment on the Day of Judgement.
- It fosters social welfare and strengthens brotherhood among Muslims.
4. Virtues of Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
- Fasting leads to the gate of Rayyan in Paradise, reserved only for those who fast.
- Allah rewards fasting without limit: “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it” (Hadith Qudsi).
- It instils taqwa (God-consciousness) in the heart.
- The supplication of a fasting person is not rejected.
5. Virtues of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
- An accepted Hajj wipes away all previous sins, making one as pure as the day they were born.
- There is no reward for a righteous Hajj except Paradise.
- It gathers the Ummah together in unity, reminding them of the Day of Judgement.
- It renews faith and demonstrates complete submission to Allah.
