Pillars are the foundation of any building. They act as building blocks and collectively support the entire building. If any one of them is hollow, the stability of the whole building becomes risky. The 5 pillars of Islam are the foundation and building blocks of a Muslim’s belief and spiritual practice. They act as a fundamental skeleton that serves as a core code for believers around the world.
For faithful Muslims who aspire to shape their association with the Creator and the community, these pillars is a core belief guiding One’s life. Understanding these pillars’ their main idea and significance is crucial for every believer fascinated by the Islamic Faith to unite Muslims worldwide. Let’s have a deep look on each of the 5 Pillars of Islam deeply;
What are the 5 Pillars of Islam?
The leading five pillars of Islam are:
- Shahada (True Faith)
- Salah (The prayer)
- Zakat (Charity)
- Sawm (Fasting)
- Hajj ( Pilgrimage)
Shahadah (The assertion of Faith):
Monotheism and acceptance of the Holy Prophet as the last messenger of Allah is the central creed of Islamic values and the first Pillar of Islam. This is one of the 5 pillars of Islam that captures the spirit of Islamic beliefs. To become a true Muslim, a person must declare it by heart:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah.”
This means, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah.”
The Quran also emphasizes the oneness of Allah by saying:
“And your God is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163)
Similarly, another verse affirms the Muhammad PBUH as the last messenger of ALLAH as
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves.” (Surah Al-Fath 48:29)
Salah: The Prayer:
The second Pillar of Islam, the salah, is the real-time practice of offering ritual prayer five times a day. These five prayers hold immense significance in Muslims’ lives and are performed at specific times throughout the day. They are ultimately a fundamental expression that connects individuals with their Creator.
Muslims offer prayers five times a day at different times, such as Fajar at dawn, Duhar at noon, Asr at midday after noon, Maghrib at sunset, and Isha at night. Through regular prayers, Muslims get a chance to connect with the Creator, seeking divine direction and expressing gratitude and devotion. With this transformative approach, one can align one’s social life and moral spirituality.
As Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:103)
“Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
Sawm (The act of Fasting):
Fasting is an obligatory practice for the month of Ramadan for 29 or 30 days. Every year, Muslims from around the world abstain from some basic needs, including food, drink, and other physical needs, from dawn to dusk (sunset) during the fast. It is a pure spiritual purification process that is practiced in the month of Ramazan to nurture self-control, better discipline of the body and soul, and empathize with the less fortunate. The spiritual benefits of Sawm during Ramadan aim to purify the soul and nourish a deep relationship of believers with Allah through Fasting.
According to the Quran,
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183
“Fasting for a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”( Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184):
Zakat: (The act of giving)
This is another obligation as the 4th Pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory charity given to the needy from Muslims’ savings accumulated over a year to purify wealth. It is a mandatory act of worship only for eligible Muslims to purify one’s wealth by allocating a fraction to those in need.
The role of Zakat in Islamic society embodies the Principles of compassion, justice, liberality, interconnectedness of individual, and mutual well-being. According to the Quran, 8 categories of beneficiaries can receive Zakat.
According to the Quran,
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
Hajj: (the Pilgrimage to Mecca)
Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mecca, is the last and fifth Pillar of Islam and the most momentous manifestation of Islamic Faith and harmony worldwide. It is an obligation for those who are physically fit and financially stable to perform holy rituals. People around the world gather at one place in Mecca to perform this holy obligation without discrimination of color, creed, or caste, especially in the month of Zul Hajj between the 8th and 12th Dul Hajj.
The holy Pilgrimage symbolizes the unity and equality of Muslim Ummah, highlighting their obedience and devotion to worship Allah.
Allah says in Quran,
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations, disobedience, or disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do—Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
Final words:
In Conclusion, the 5 pillars of Islam are the core practices that every individual should encounter to encompass an inclusive framework for worship that defines a Muslim’s Faith and lifestyle. Each Pillar embodies a distinct aspect of devotion and commitment to the foundation of the Islamic Faith in guiding believers in their spiritual and daily lives.
Eventually, these pillars serve as a moral conduct standard that aligns individual dealings with the broader principles of compassion, integrity, and spiritual obligations. If you want to learn the importance of these 5 pillars of islam in detail, sign up today.