Pillars of Islam
What is Faith or Shahadah?
The Shahadah is the Islamic declaration of faith and the first pillar of Islam, stating: "Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulullah" meaning "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This statement affirms two core beliefs: the oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. It is not just spoken but must be believed in the heart and reflected through actions. Believing in the Shahadah requires rejecting all false gods, worshipping only Allah, and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It forms the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice, guiding their life in accordance with Islam’s principles, including belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine destiny. Reciting the Shahadah sincerely is the entry into Islam, and it remains a lifelong testimony that connects the believer to their Creator and defines their purpose in this world and the hereafter.
What is Prayer or Salah?
Prayer (Salah) in Islam is the second pillar of Islam and a fundamental act of worship that connects a Muslim directly with Allah. It is an obligation upon every adult Muslim and is performed five times a day at prescribed times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). The Arabic word *Salah* (صلاة) literally means “connection” or “communication,” and spiritually, it represents a direct link between the worshipper and the Creator without any intermediaries. Through Salah, Muslims express their gratitude, seek forgiveness, ask for guidance, and strengthen their faith. Each prayer consists of physical movements (standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting) combined with recitations from the Qur'an and supplications. Salah is a reminder of discipline, humility, and devotion, purifying the heart and soul. It was made obligatory during the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ miraculous journey of Isra and Mi’raj and is emphasized throughout the Qur’an as a sign of true belief and righteousness. Neglecting Salah without valid reason is considered a major sin, while performing it regularly is a sign of strong faith and obedience to Allah.
What is Fasting or Sawm?
Fasting (Sawm) is the fourth pillar of Islam and refers to abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Arabic word Sawm (صوم) means “to refrain,” and in Islam, it symbolizes spiritual cleansing, self-control, and deep devotion to Allah. Fasting is not just about avoiding physical needs, but also refraining from sinful behavior such as lying, backbiting, and arguing. The purpose of Sawm is to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness), as stated in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183): "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain piety." Fasting helps Muslims develop empathy for the poor, strengthens patience and discipline, and brings the community together in worship and charity. Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims, except those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, menstruating, or traveling, who may make up the days later or offer a form of charity (fidya). It concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyful festival marking the end of Ramadan.
What is Almsgiving or Zakkat?
Almsgiving (Zakat) is the third pillar of Islam and a mandatory act of charity that purifies a Muslim’s wealth by sharing a portion of it with those in need. The word Zakat (زكاة) means "purification" and "growth," and in Islam, it symbolizes both spiritual cleansing and social responsibility. Every eligible Muslim is required to give 2.5% of their accumulated wealth annually—this includes savings, gold, business assets, and investments—provided it reaches the Nisab (minimum amount set by Islamic law). Zakat is given to specific categories mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60), including the poor, needy, those in debt, stranded travelers, and others. It is different from general charity (sadaqah), as Zakat is obligatory and calculated precisely. Through Zakat, Islam promotes economic fairness, supports the underprivileged, and reduces greed by reminding Muslims that wealth is a trust from Allah, not just personal property. Paying Zakat is a sign of true faith, and neglecting it is considered a major sin in Islam.
What is Pilgrimage or Hajj?
Pilgrimage (Hajj) is the fifth pillar of Islam and a sacred journey that every adult Muslim must undertake once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. It takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj involves a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (Ishmael), showing complete submission to Allah. These rituals include wearing Ihram (simple white clothing to signify equality), Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat in prayer, and symbolically stoning the devil at Mina. Hajj teaches humility, unity, patience, and devotion, as millions of Muslims from around the world gather, regardless of race, wealth, or nationality. Completing Hajj is a deeply spiritual experience and a major milestone in a Muslim’s life, with the reward of all past sins being forgiven if performed sincerely.
