All Muslims are obligated to fulfil five key practices throughout their lives. These practices are known as the pillars of Islam because they serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The five pillars as mentioned in the hadith are Shahada (the declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
5 Pillars of Islam Explained
Let’s delve into the details of each pillar and enhance our knowledge regarding them for sound implementation.
1- Shahada (faith):
Shahada is the core of the Islamic faith. To become a person of Islam, the individual must acknowledge that there is one God, Allah. More precisely, they must verbally state that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” three times in front of a witness. Once this phrase is said truthfully and passionately, the individual becomes a member of the Islamic faith and is distinguished from other faiths.
Why is the Shahada important?
Shahada is essential to proclaim because around this all else revolves. Muslims are continuously reminded of this core belief in 5 daily prayers and other rituals. The second part of the Shahada requires Muslims to recognize and testify to their faith in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as Allah’s messenger. This serves as a reminder to Muslims of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) importance, as well as a reminder to never associate Allah with partners, because He is only a messenger, and Allah is one God. In Islamic Studies Course muslim can learn deeply the importance of shahada in islam.
2- Salah (Prayer):
Salah holds great significance in the life of a practising Muslim. It is a form of worship and connection with Allah (God). There are many hadiths for the importance and benefits of salah for us as Muslims. The Prophet SAW: Indeed, the first deed by which a servant will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection is his salat. If it is complete, he is successful and saved, but if it is defective, he has failed and lost…
What are the 5 daily prayers of Islam?
Muslims must perform 5 daily prayers. These are:
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- Fajr: This occurs before dawn.
- Dhuhr: This occurs shortly after the sun has reached its zenith.
- Asr: This happens between noon and sunset.
- Maghrib: This takes place just after sunset.
- Isha: This occurs during the night/at nighttime.
Why is Salah important?
Salah is an essential component of a Muslim’s daily routine. Muslims are required to ponder the verses of the Qur’an, the Shahadah (the declaration of faith), and Allah’s attributes every day during prayer. Muslims all over the world pray at five specific times each day in the direction of the Kaabah in Mecca to connect with Allah and fulfil their life’s purpose—to remember and worship Him.
What prayers are there?
Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may perform Sunnah and Nafl Salah. The Sunnah Salahs are those that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to offer as voluntary worship at specific times and locations. Nafl Salah are voluntary prayers that a Muslim may offer at any time as a form of extra Ibadah (worship). Optional prayers include Salat al-Istikhara (the prayer of seeking guidance), Salat at-Tahajjud (prayed late at night), or Salat at-Tawbah (prayer for repentance).
3- Zakat (Alms):
It is a form of charity that requires Muslims to donate a specific portion of their wealth to those in need. It means “purification” and for Muslims to cleanse their souls and show gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessings they have received. It is obligatory for all Muslims who possess wealth above a certain minimum threshold, known as nisab. Zakat payment allows Muslims to fulfil their obligation to Allah (SWT) while also helping those in need. “And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right, for the needy and deprived.” (Qur’an | 70:24-5)
Recipients of zakat
The Qur’an outlines eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat. They are:
- The poor and needy
- Those who are destitute
- Zakat collectors and distributors
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
- Those in bondage or enslaved
- Those who are in debt
- Those who are fighting for the cause of Allah
Zakat Calculation and Distribution
Zakat is given to those in need, including the poor, orphans, widows, and those in debt. It is a means of helping society’s deprived members. Your Zakat donation should equal 2.5% of your total eligible wealth. As a result, if your total assets (after any debts) totalled £10,000, you would pay £250.
4- Sawm (Fasting)
Sawm is the Arabic term for fasting. Muslims who have reached puberty are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which includes refraining from food, drink, sexual relations, and unpleasant speech and behaviour from sunrise to sunset.
Why is Sawm important?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it has the most blessed night in it, called Laylat al-Qadr, the night on which the holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind. As a result, the month of Ramadan is a significant time for humanity, and Muslims must devote special attention to it.
How does Sawm show devotion to Allah?
By fasting for the entire month, Muslims gain control over their needs, desires, and distractions, allowing them to focus more on meditation and their life’s purpose. It is a special act of devotion and love towards Allah, and the reward for this is unique. As an authentic hadith, 128 from Al-Bukhari refers to what Allah says: “All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting, which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.” This shows the importance of fasting in islam .
5- Hajj (Pilgrimage):
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims perform at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is obliged of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime (so long as they have the means). Hajj takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah each year. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. As Muslims, performing Hajj is a spiritual obligation, as long as we are financially, physically, and emotionally capable of doing so. The pilgrimage consists of a series of rites and practices, some of which must be completed in sequence. Pilgrims are required to travel between locations throughout and can walk on average, making it physically demanding. Performing Hajj is a test of patience and disposition. It is a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge; it may require some preparation, and for many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, it allows Muslims to refresh their spiritual selves, cleanse themselves of sin, and draw closer to Allah (SWT).
Where Does the Hajj Take Place?
Hajj is performed in Makkah and several other locations within the vicinity of Makkah. These locations include:
- The city of Makkah
- The tent settlement of Mina
- Mount ‘Arafah
- Muzdalifah
Who Is Excluded From Hajj?
The following people are exempt from performing Hajj:
- 1. Children until they are adults.
- 2. The very weak, sick, elderly, or otherwise physically incapable Muslims.
- 3. Financially not stable or settled to pay the dues for hajj.
Importance of 5 Pillars in Islam
” بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ”
“Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakat (obligatory charity), making the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadan.” [ Bukhari &Muslim] Each of the five pillars of Islam works together to embody the essence of the religion as one of peace and submission to Allah SWT, guiding the lifestyle of every Muslim:
- Shahada (Faith): The belief in the oneness of Allah and in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger of God is central to Islam. This belief is reinforced daily by reciting the Shahada in prayer.
- Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to perform Salah five times a day, providing numerous opportunities to remember Allah SWT and reflect on their purpose in life, which is to worship Him.
- Sawm (Fast): During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for their basic needs and desires, such as food, drink, and sexual relations, for part of each day. This month encourages Muslims to exercise control over their human needs, allowing them to focus on good behaviour and strengthen their connection to Allah SWT.
- Zakat and Sadaqah (Alms & Charity): While giving Sadaqah is highly encouraged as part of everyday life, Muslims must offer Zakat once a year. This practice ensures the continuous redistribution of wealth to those in need.
- Hajj (pilgrimage): During the Hajj, all Muslims wear the same simple garments and perform the same rituals of devotion to Allah. This practice strips away worldly distinctions, reminding participants that everyone is equal before God.
