The Five Pillars of Islam: A Clear Guide
Islam is built on five essential pillars, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught in well-known hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar. He reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan.”
Each of these five pillars holds profound significance and guides a Muslim’s way of life.
1. The Shahada (Testimony of Faith)
The Shahada is the key that allows a person to enter Islam. The first part:
“La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah) means that a Muslim must speak with their tongue and believe with their heart that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (God). This statement signifies complete reliance on Allah alone, and it also means that a person must believe that Allah is the only Creator of the universe, with no partner in worship.
The second part of the Shahada, “Muhammadur rasulullah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) means that a person must believe that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy to all of mankind, as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all of creation. This also means that a Muslim must follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by doing what he commanded and avoiding what he prohibited. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it. And whatever he forbids you from, leave it. And fear Allah.” (Qur’an 59:7)
2. Salah (Establishing Prayer)
Salah is the direct connection between the servant and their Lord, and it holds a great position in Islam. Prayer is the first action for which a person will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. If one’s prayer is good, all other deeds will follow in goodness. If it is lacking, all other actions may be negatively affected. Prayer is the pillar of the religion, and it is obligatory for every Muslim to perform five daily prayers, with other prayers being voluntary.
Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers, known as the Fard prayers:
- Fajr (before dawn)
- Dhuhr (midday)
- Asr (afternoon)
- Maghrib (sunset)
- Isha (night)
Each Muslim is required to perform their prayers at their specified times and in the manner taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He said, “Pray as you have seen me pray.” [Narrated by Bukhari (605) from Malik ibn al-Huwairith].
3. Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is the third pillar and represents a financial form of worship. Allah has made obligatory for those who possess a certain amount of wealth to give a portion to those in need. It purifies the soul from greed and cleanses the record of sins. Allah says in the Qur’an: Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur’an 9:103)
The purpose of zakat is to purify wealth, support the poor, and foster social equality. The amount of zakat is 2.5% of the wealth for those who possess the minimum required amount (the nisab), and it must be given after a full lunar year has passed. The zakat is given to the poor and needy, and this obligation does not apply to those who do not have the nisab.
Islam has specified eight categories for the distribution of zakat, and a person can choose one of these categories to give their zakat to. Allah says: “Charity is only for the poor and the needy, for those who collect them, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Qur’an 9:60)
4. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a great act of worship. It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, engage in acts of worship, and increase their devotion to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim].
Ramadan is a blessed month in which God’s mercy descends, and it is a time for the servant to renew their covenant with Allah through acts of worship.
A Muslim fasts from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations (for those who are married). This obligation is waived for those who are unable to fast due to illness or travel. Allah says in the Qur’an: “˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.” (Qur’an 2:184)
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able)
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is unique in that it includes all the other pillars within it. Hajj is a set of sacred rituals performed in and around Mecca, during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people.” (Qur’an 3:97)
Hajj purifies the soul and nurtures humility, obedience, and patience. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in foul speech or sinful behavior will return as the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Narrated by Bukhari (1449) and Muslim (438)]
One of the main purposes of Hajj is to cleanse the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. By stepping away from daily life and immersing oneself in worship, the pilgrim reconnects with their Creator on a deep level.
Hajj also serves as a powerful symbol of unity. Muslims from all backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures gather in one place, dressed in the same simple white garments, performing the same rituals. This visual and spiritual equality reinforces the concept of the global Muslim community, or ummah.
These are the five basic pillars of Islam. Each one plays an essential role in a Muslim’s life and serves as a guide for living in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The Hajj, in particular, is significant because it encompasses the meanings of all the other pillars and serves as a reminder of the unity of all Muslims, standing together in worship of Allah.
And Allah knows best.