The Five Pillars of Islam: A Traditional and Authentic Guide for Everyone

Islam, a complete code of life, is built upon five foundational acts of worship known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars define the core beliefs and practices every Muslim must uphold. They are:

1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
2. Salah (Prayer)
3. Zakah (Charity)
4. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Each pillar is rooted in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

1. Shahadah (شهادة) – Declaration of Faith

Meaning:
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

This is the most fundamental belief in Islam. It is the entry point into the faith and must be declared with sincerity.

Qur’an Reference:

“Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:18)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 8; Sahih Muslim, 16)

2. Salah (صلاة) – The Five Daily Prayers

Muslims are required to perform five prayers daily at prescribed times: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. It is the second pillar and a direct connection between the servant and Allah.

Qur’an Reference:

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:103)

Who is Obligated to Pray Salah?
Salah is obligatory upon every Muslim who is:

• An adult (after reaching puberty)
• Sane (mentally sound)
• Pure (in state of physical cleanliness)
• Conscious (not sleeping or unconscious)

Exemptions from Salah:

• Women during menstruation (Hayd) or postpartum bleeding (Nifas) are excused and must not pray during this period.
• Those who are unconscious or mentally unstable.
• Children before reaching the age of puberty (though they should be trained from age 7).

Requirement of Ghusl (Purification) After Janabah: After sexual intercourse or ejaculation (Janabah), a person must perform Ghusl (ritual bath) before offering Salah.

“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are in a state of janabah until you have bathed…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:43)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, the rest of his deeds will be sound…”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 413)

3. Zakah (زكاة) – Obligatory Charity

Zakah is a form of almsgiving that purifies wealth. Every eligible Muslim must give 2.5% of their surplus wealth to the poor and needy annually.

Nisab (Minimum Threshold for Zakah):
Zakah becomes obligatory if a Muslim’s wealth exceeds the Nisab, which is:

• 87.48 grams of gold, or
• 612.36 grams of silver (whichever is more beneficial to the poor).

Zakat on Livestock:

Camels: On 5 camels 1 sheep is due as zakah, increases with number

Cows: Zakah is due when one owns 30 or more

Goats/Sheep: Zakah is due when owning 40 or more  

Zakat on Agricultural Produce (Ushr):

10% on crops watered by rain or natural means.

5% on crops irrigated with artificial methods

Qur’an Reference:

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakah of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection, his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1403)

4. Sawm (صوم) – Fasting During Ramadan

Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is obligatory for adult Muslims. It teaches self-discipline and God-consciousness.

Obligated to Fast:

• Every adult, sane, healthy Muslim

Exemptions and Relaxations:

• Women during menstruation or postpartum bleeding (must make up later)
• Sick or elderly (may give fidyah if permanently ill)
• Travelers (may make up missed fasts later)
• Pregnant or nursing women if there’s risk to mother or baby (make up or pay fidyah)

Importance of the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan: The last ten nights are especially sacred, as Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) falls in one of them. Worship during this night is better than a thousand months.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree… The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-3)

Recommended acts during the last 10 nights:

• Qiyam al-layl (Night prayer)
• Qur’an recitation
• Excessive dua and dhikr
• I’tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque)

Qur’an Reference:

“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)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 38)

5. Hajj (حج) – Pilgrimage to Makkah

Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that every financially and physically able Muslim must perform once in a lifetime.

Who is Obligated to Perform Hajj?

• Adult Muslim
• Sane and free
• Physically and financially able
• For women: must be accompanied by a mahram

Main Rituals of Hajj:

1. Ihram: Entering state of consecration with intention and special garments
2. Tawaf: Circling the Ka’bah seven times
3. Sa’i: Walking seven times between Safa and Marwah
4. Standing at Arafah (Wuquf): On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah
5. Muzdalifah: Collecting pebbles and spending night
6. Ramy al-Jamarat: Stoning the three pillars
7. Animal sacrifice: For those doing Tamattu or Qiran
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Performed after stoning and sacrifice
9. Shaving/Cutting hair: Symbolizing purification
10. Farewell Tawaf: Before leaving Makkah

Qur’an Reference:

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:97)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, will return as free of sin as on the day his mother bore him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1521)

Conclusion
The Five Pillars form the framework of a Muslim’s life. Practicing them sincerely ensures spiritual growth, social harmony, and nearness to Allah ﷻ. Every Muslim is encouraged to learn, internalize, and uphold these pillars with devotion.

“And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of what you do.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110)