Built on Five: Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam

  Islam is a complete way of life Revealed by Allah for the Guidance of mankind. It teaches a person how to believe, how to worship, how to behave, how to treat others and how to prepare for the Hereafter. Islam is not only a name, a culture or a family tradition. It is submission to Allah with faith, obedience, sincerity and love. 

    At the heart of Islam are five great foundations known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim must know and take seriously. They are called pillars, because they support the religion in the life of the Believer. Just as a building cannot stand firmly without strong pillars, a Muslim’s faith becomes weak when these pillars are neglected. 

    The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakah, performing Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.” 

    This Hadith shows the great importance of these five foundations. Islam is built upon belief and action. It begins with faith in Allah, but it does not stop at words alone. True Islam appears in worship, prayer, charity, fasting, sacrifice, patience, obedience and good character. A Muslim does not only say, “I believe,” but also tries to live according to that belief. 

    The first pillar is the Shahadah, the testimony of faith. It is to say and believe that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah. This is the entrance into Islam and the foundation of all worship. Through the Shahadah, a Muslim declares that Allah alone deserves worship, obedience, love, fear, hope, trust and devotion. No idol, saint, Prophet, angel, grave, desire, wealth or worldly power deserves worship. Worship belongs only to Allah. 

    The Shahadah also means believing that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent by Allah as the Final Messenger. A Muslim loves him, honors him, believes what he taught and follows his Sunnah. We do not invent our own way to worship Allah. We worship Allah according to the guidance brought by His Messenger ﷺ. This pillar gives direction to the heart and purpose to life. 

    The second pillar is Salah, the five daily prayers. Salah is the daily connection between the Servant and Allah. Every day, a Muslim is called to leave worldly matters and stand before the Lord of the worlds. The five prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. These prayers are spread throughout the day and night so that the Believer remains connected to Allah in every part of life. 

    Prayer teaches humility, discipline and remembrance. In Salah, the Muslim stands, bows and prostrates before Allah. He recites the Words of Allah, asks for Guidance, seeks Forgiveness and remembers the purpose of life. Salah protects the heart from heedlessness and reminds the Believer that success is not only found in wealth, work or status, but in obedience to Allah. 

    The third pillar is Zakah, the obligatory charity. Zakah purifies wealth and helps those in need. It reminds the Muslim that wealth is not truly his alone. It is a trust from Allah. Whatever a person owns, earns or enjoys comes only by the Permission of Allah. Health, strength, skills, opportunities and provision are all Blessings from Him. 

    Through Zakah, Islam teaches mercy and responsibility. The rich are reminded not to forget the poor. The comfortable are reminded of those who are struggling. Zakah softens the heart, removes greed and strengthens the bonds of the Muslim community. It shows that Islam is not only about individual worship, but also about caring for others. 

    The fourth pillar is Sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan. In Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, avoiding food, drink and marital relations during the fasting hours, but fasting is not only about hunger and thirst. True fasting also includes guarding the tongue, eyes, ears, hands, feet and heart from sin. 

    Fasting teaches patience, self-control, gratitude and taqwa. When a Muslim leaves what is normally allowed for the Sake of Allah, he trains himself to leave what is forbidden at all times. Hunger reminds him of the poor. Thirst reminds him of the blessings he often takes for granted. Ramadan becomes a school for the soul, teaching the Believer to return to Allah with sincerity and repentance. 

    The fifth pillar is Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah. Hajj is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. It is a journey of worship, humility, sacrifice, patience and submission to Allah. Muslims from all over the world gather in one place, wearing simple clothing, calling upon Allah and remembering the Hereafter. 

    Hajj teaches equality. Rich and poor, young and old, people of different colors, languages and countries all stand before Allah as Servants. No one is better because of race, wealth, nationality or position. True honor is only through Taqwa. Hajj reminds the Believer that this life is a journey and that every soul will one day return to Allah. 

    These five pillars are connected to one another. The Shahadah gives meaning to every act of worship. Salah keeps faith alive every day. Zakah teaches generosity and responsibility. Sawm trains the soul to obey Allah. Hajj reminds the Believer of sacrifice, repentance, equality and the final return to the Creator. 

    A Muslim should never treat the Five Pillars as empty rituals. They are Gifts from Allah and paths to His pleasure. They purify the heart, discipline the body, guide the soul, strengthen the community and prepare the Believer for the Next Life. When performed with sincerity and knowledge, they change a person from within. 

Excerpt: www.amazon.com/dp/B0H246DPDD