5 Pillars of Islam–Understanding Islam and Muslims

Islam is a widely practiced religion worldwide with over 1.9 billion Muslims making it the most influential religion in the entire history. But it is not just any religion with sets of rules or holy scripture. It embodies a complete code of life to be adopted by Muslims. It is rather centered on five pillars that are obligatory to be followed by anyone who claims to believe in Islam. These pillars shape the identity of Muslims developing a sense of accountability, social responsibility, spirituality, morality, and eagerness to attain success in both worlds.

Whether you are a Muslim or exploring Islam for the first time, you are at the right place. In this article, you will get to know about the five basic pillars of Islam in detail, how they are incorporated into practical life, and what significance they hold in the hearts of Muslims.

What are the five pillars of Islam?

Five obligatory practices for Muslims known as pillars of Islam are;

Shahada
Salah
Sawm
Zakat
Hajj

What do the 5 Pillars of Islam mean?

Shahada (faith) is the declaration of faith in One God. Almighty Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him)
Salah (prayer): ritual prayer observed by Muslims and obligatory to be performed 5 times a day.
Zakat (Alms, charity): dedicating a portion of wealth to the needy people.
Sawm (fasting): observing fasts during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj (pilgrimage): All Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime, as long as they are financially stable and in good health.

How Shahada is practiced?

According to Scholars, it is mandatory to recite the Shahada to become a Muslim. It must be recited with conviction declaring, “There’s no God but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger, to be declared as Muslim.

Its importance can be understood by the fact that it is recited into the ears of a newborn and it is intended to be recited as one’s last words.

Why Salah is important for Muslims?

It involves physical movement such as standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting while also reciting the verses from the Quran. It is a source of seeking help, guidance, patience, mercy, and forgiveness from Allah. It is an act of worship and gratefulness. With the advantage of performing Salah at mosques, it connects Muslim communities throughout the globe. It is not only a source of finding comfort in remembering Allah but it also holds spiritual essence in protecting one from all kinds of evils. As mentioned in the Quran:

"Surely the Salah at fixed hours (of the day and night) has been enjoined upon the believers." (Quran 4:103).

"Verily, Salah restrains (oneself) from shameful and unjust deeds…" (Quran 29:45)

Why is observing Sawm important for Muslims?

It is not only an act of abstaining from eating food and drinking water but an act of self-restraint avoiding sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset. It develops self-control and makes one understand the suffering of the poor who are deprived of the basic necessities of life. Sawm is observed in the month of Ramadan, upon the sighting of the new moon. It is followed by celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, breaking the fast and time for a family reunion.

Is Zakat important for the welfare of the community?

Zakat being the fourth pillar of Islam holds immense importance in uplifting the community. But

there are certain conditions applied to paying zakat such as one has to be an adult and must possess wealth to pay it. No longer than a lunar year of one’s possessing wealth has passed, it becomes obligatory to donate 2.5% of annual net worth. It includes gold, money in the account, cash, silver, and business stocks. Since Zakat is important for striking balance in the community, it is recommended to be provided to those in debt, in the cause of Allah, the poor and needy, wayfarers, and new Muslims. Here are some Islamic narrations about Zakat:

One who pays Zakat, Allah will make their wealth increase” (Sahih Bukhari)

“Zakat is a right that the poor have upon the rich” (Sahih Bukhari)

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-encompassing and Knowing.” (Al Quran 2:261)

What is the significance of Hajj for Muslims?

Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, is a religious duty upon Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime given that they are financially stable and physically healthy. It is one of the significant pillars of Islam as it promotes unity among the Muslim community. Over two million Muslims throughout the globe gather around Mecca to perform Hajj.

Why Muslims need to follow 5 pillars of Islam?

The 5 pillars set the foundation for living life according to the Islamic essence as laid down by Allah. Not only does it help strengthen the faith of Muslims but it also fosters brotherhood, and charity to uplift the community and strike a balance between the life of this World and the Hereafter. Following these pillars develops a sense of accountability and fear of Allah that pushes them to become better. Hence, Islamic pillars promote spiritual, personal, physical, intellectual, and psychological growth, promoting a fulfilled life.

Is it impossible to cheat on these principles?

Yes, it is impossible to cheat on these principles because it requires one to be intrinsically motivated to practice these pillars as an individual is not rewarded immediately for acting upon them. One must have an intrinsic drive to seek Allah’s pleasure through the means of any good deed that cannot be attained if one is too focused on getting a reward. Moreover, these pillars are meant to discipline Muslims to become righteous in their acts of worship and character. One cannot disguise corrupt intentions by practicing these pillars for an extended period of time.

Final Thoughts

The five pillars of Islam mark the foundation for living up to the core beliefs of Islam shaping Muslim identity, and fostering cultural harmony binding Muslims around the globe as one community practicing the same beliefs and rituals. These pillars are not just some rules but powerful reminders that emphasize Islam is not just some faith but a practical religion and it compels every Muslim to keep striving towards creating and living a purposeful life. It demands one’s loyalty, sincerity, compassion, sacrifice, and willingness to live by these pillars.

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Are these pillars Sunni or Shia?

Yes, these 5 pillars are universally followed by both Sunni and Shia equally.

Is jihad a pillar of Islam?

No, the majority of Muslims do not accept Jihad as the sixth pillar of Islam except the Kharijite sect of Islam.

Is it 5 or 7 pillars of Islam?

The majority of Muslims follow the 5 pillars of Islam except the Ismaili community who additionally accept Taharat (purification) and jihad to be the sixth and seventh pillars of Islam.