Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are fundamental acts of worship that form the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practices. They include Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). These pillars guide Muslims in leading a life of devotion, charity, self-discipline, and community. Embracing these principles strengthens a Muslim's connection with Allah and contributes to personal and societal well-being.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are the most important beliefs and practices in the life of every Muslim. These pillars are the foundations of Islamic faith-worship, morality, and daily conduct. Each pillar signifies an obligatory act that binds a Muslim with Allah (SWT) and the community.

Shahadah (The Declaration of Faith)

The first and most important pillar is Shahadah, the declaration that there is no god except Allah (SWT) and that Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is His messenger. This declaration affirms the fundamental concept of monotheism (Tawhid), and it entails recognizing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Allah's last messenger. A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely saying the Shahadah.

Salah (Prayer)

Salah is also the main pillar among the five pillars of Islam. Five times a day, at fixed times, Muslims offer Salah (ritual prayer). The prayers are Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Sala is the essential reminder throughout the day that this world is temporary and we shall return to Allah (SWT). Prayer embodies different physical movements, including standing, bowing, and prostration, denoting gratitude and patience.

Zakat (Charity)

Zakat or almsgiving is wherein financially able Muslims are obliged to share their wealth with the needy, doing so amounting to 2.5% of their total wealth every lunar year. This pillar advocates social justice, renders wealth pure, and diminishes disparity, which eventually enables the less fortunate to receive aid.

Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

For the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe Sawm, defined as fasting from dawn to sunset. It is also the part of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting isn't meant to stay away from food, but it is a true reminder to go back to Allah (SWT) without putting the heart in this temporary world. Every night at Iftar, Muslims come together to break the fast.

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

The fifth pillar, Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims physically and financially able to perform must take at least once in their lifetime. Hajj begins in the month of Dhul-Hijjah and is a series of religiously motivated acts that include the tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and standing on Mount Arafah, all intended to symbolize unity and equality before Allah (SWT).