The 5 Pillars of Islam

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
(The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), testifying (the fact) that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His bondsman and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka’ba) and the fast of Ramadan.
(Muslim)

Islam is based on tenets that are known as the Five Pillars, Arkanul Islam, to which all Muslims should adhere to.
So the article below will further explain what the five pillars Islam are all about…
The five pillars of Islam provide the framework for the life of a Muslim. They develop character, strengthen Islam by uniting Muslims and act as a reminder of the teachings of Islam. Allah commanded Muslims to carry out these duties and follow the example of the prophet Muhammad. Each pillar has its own special importance.

Shahada (Testimony of Faith)

This testimony is the basis of Islam and must be said with purity of heart and conviction. It testifies the oneness of God and bears witness that Muhammad is a messenger of Allah. This also implies that all the previous prophets of God, were only messengers.

“Allah witnesses 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.”
(Quran 3:18)

Salah

Muslims are required to establish ritual prayers 5 times a day at specified times:

Salat al-fajr: dawn, before sunrise
Salat al-zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest
Salat al-‘asr: the late part of the afternoon
Salat al-maghrib: just after sunset
Salat al-‘isha: between sunset and midnight

Praying is a way to communicate, thank and remember Allah.

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].
(Quran 2:43)

Zakat

Zakat is the compulsory giving of a set proportion of one’s wealth to charity. It is regarded as a type of worship and of self-purification and fosters qualities such as sacrifice and generosity.
Zakat is separate from charitable gifts given out of generosity. It is a systematic giving of 2.5% of one’s wealth each year to benefit the poor.

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].
(Quran 2:43)

Fasting

In the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims are required to fast between sunrise and sunset. This includes abstinence from food, drink and sexual intercourse. One must also be physically and mentally able to fast. Further, travellers are exempt from fasting. Fasting promotes patience, discipline and increases purity of the mind and piety.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”
(Qur’an 2:183)

Performing Hajj

It is an obligation upon every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim, both male and female, to complete the pilgrimage to Mecca.The pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is completed in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar calendar.