Antisectarian

The Five Pillars

There are some basic duties that Muslims must perform in their lifetime. These are known as the five pillars of Islam. These are:

  • Shahadah: Declaration of faith;

  • Salah: The five daily prayers;

  • Zakah: Welfare contribution;

  • Sawm: Fasting in Ramadhan;

  • Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah.

1. Shahadah: Declaration of faith

The first duty of a Muslim corresponds to the Oneness of God - believing and living according to the will of God. A Muslim believes in the basic declaration of faith, which is the foundation of a Muslim life, that, 'There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah'. Every action which upholds this declaration is Shahadah. In other words, living in Islam is Shahadah.

2. Salah: Prayer

Salah is the most fundamental and essential obligations for a Muslim. Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day facing Makkah.

Indeed, I am Allah; there is no god except Myself; so worship Me and establish Salah to remember me
[The Qur'an, 20:14]

Before prayer Muslims are required to make sure they are clean by performing the Wudu (Ablution). The prayers are said at the following times,

  1. Fajr: from dawn until before sunrise;
  2. Zuhr: after midday until afternoon;
  3. Asr: from late afternoon until just before sunset;
  4. Maghrib: after sunset until daylight ends;
  5. Isha: night until midnight or dawn.

3. Zakah: Welfare Contribution

In Islam, all Muslims with sufficient means are obliged to give annually two-and-half percent of the value of their savings to the needy and for community projects. The word Zakah means to purify or to cleanse. This is not a wealth tax, rather a means of purification and spiritual enrichment; and for the Islamic community it is a form of redistribution of income. Given with sincere intention of perpetuating good and in gratitude to God for being in a position to do so, it is in itself a form of worship.

And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)
[The Qur'an, 2: 43]

The Zakah is compulsory for Muslims, however, Muslims are also encouraged to give Sadaqa, which is voluntary charity for any purpose.

4. Sawm: Fasting

Muslims are required to fast for one month each year - the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the year.

During the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance to the people with clear signs of true guidance, and as a Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it, and whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead. Allah wants ease and not hardship for you so that you may complete the number of days required, magnify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him
[The Qur'an, 2:185]

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is also one of the highest forms of Ibadah (worship) for Muslims. It is a test of moral character, an education, and an opportunity to meditate. Fasting may create physical and economic hardships, but in Islam a person has larger needs. His spiritual growth and moral uplift, so much dependent on self-control and self-discipline, is equally or, rather, more important. Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims over the age of puberty - those under this age are not obliged to fast. Other exceptions include pregnant and breastfeeding women, or those who are menstruating, men and women who are sick, old or infirm, and those travelling. In cases of exception, the days can be made up at a later time or special payments equivalent to one day's food for each day of fasting made to help the poor.

5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah

Pilgrimage to the House is a duty mankind owes to God; for anyone who can find a way to do so.
[The Qur'an, 3:97]

Of the first four pillars of Islam, the first two are daily duties, the second two are annual obligations; a pilgrimage to Makkah is a once in a lifetime event of great magnitude and significance to Muslims. To visit Makkah is to visit the Ka'bah, the house of God established by the Prophet Adam and restored by the Prophet Abraham about four thousand years ago. Hajj is a command of Allah, and for Muslims obeying this command is the height of a true believer's worship of his Creator. Over two million Muslims make the pilgrimage to Makkah each year, and this assembly of Muslims demonstrates Islamic unity, solidarity, and equality.