The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj (Bukhari 8, Muslim 16). Here is a simple, authentic explanation of each pillar.
1. Shahada, the Declaration of Faith
The Shahada is the testimony: Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasool Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Saying it with sincere belief is how a person enters Islam.
2. Salah, the Five Daily Prayers
Muslims pray five times a day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Salah is the direct connection between the believer and Allah, and the Quran describes it as an obligation at fixed times (4:103).
3. Zakat, Obligatory Charity
Zakat is the annual charity of 2.5 percent of one’s qualifying savings, given to the poor and needy. The Quran names its recipients in detail (9:60), making charity a right of the poor, not just an act of generosity.
4. Sawm, Fasting in Ramadan
Every Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations. Fasting was prescribed so that believers may attain taqwa, God-consciousness (Quran 2:183).
5. Hajj, Pilgrimage to Makkah
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. Millions gather each year in the largest annual act of worship in Islam.
Why Are They Called Pillars?
Just as pillars hold up a building, these five practices hold up the life of a Muslim. They are not the whole of Islam, but everything else in the faith rests upon them.
Noor Academy Pakistan’s Islamic Studies courses teach children the Five Pillars one-to-one online, so book a free trial class.