Five Pillars of Islam

Islam has five basic duties, often called pillars of Islam. Performed regularly, correctly and sincerely they transform a Muslim's life, bringing it into line with the wishes of the creator. Faithful practice of these duties should inspire a Muslim to work towards the establishment of justice, equality, and righteousness (Ma'ruf) in society, and the eradication of injustice, falsehood and evil (Munkar).

On the authority of Ibn Omar, the son of Omar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with both, who said : I heard the messenger of Allah say : "Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan." Related by Bukhari and Muslim.


1. Shahadah is the conscious and voluntary declaration of the faith by saying La ilaha illallahu Muhammadur rasullah. "There is no God except Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. This declaration contains the two basic concepts of Tawhid and Risalah. It is the basis of all actions in Islam; the other four basic duties follow this affirmation.
2. Salah (compulsory prayer)is offered five times a day, either in congregation or individually it is a practical demonstration of faith, and keeps a believer in constant touch with Creator. The benefits of Salah are far-reaching, long lasting and immeasurable. Salah prepared a Muslim to work towards the establishment of true order in society, and the removal of falsehood, evil and indecency. It develops self-discipline, steadfastness and obedience to the Truth. Which lends itself to patience, honesty and truthfulness in the affairs of life.

The five daily prayers:
Fajr: Between dawn and sunrise
Zuhur: Between midday and mid afternoon
'Asr: Between mid afternoon and sunset
Maghrib: Just after sunset
Isha: Between nightfall and dawn.
Salah provides a wonderful opportunity for a Muslim to improve his/her life. It is a system of spiritual, moral and physical training that makes you truly obedient to his Creator.

3. Zakah (welfare contributions) is a compulsory payment from a Muslim's annual savings. It literally means purification, and is an annual payment of 2.5% of the value of cash, jewellery and precious metals; a separate rate applies to animals, crops and mineral wealth. Zakah is neither a charity nor a tax: charity is optional, whilst taxes can be used for any of society's needs. Zakah, however, can only be spent on helping the poor and needy, the disabled, the oppressed, debtors and other welfare purposes as defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Zakah is an act of worship. It is one of the fundamental principles of an Islamic economy, which ensures an equitable society where everybody has a right to contribute and share. Zakah should be paid with the conscious belief that our wealth and our property belong to Allah, and we merely act as trustees.

4. Sawm is the annual obligatory fast during the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. From dawn to sunset every day a Muslim refrains from eating, drinking, smoking, and from sex with his/her marital partner, seeking only the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Sawm develops a believer's moral and spiritual standards, and keeps him away from selfishness, greed, extravagance and other vices. Sawm is an annual training programme which increases a Muslim's determination to fulfil his obligations to the Creator and Sustainer.
5. Hajj (pilgrimage to the house of Allah) is an annual event, obligatory at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who have the means to perform it. It is a journey to the house of Allah (ka'bah) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj symbolises the unity of mankind; Muslims for every race and nationality assemble in equality and humility to worship their Lord. The pilgrim, in the ritual clothing of Ihram, has the unique feeling of being in presence of his Creator, to whom he belongs and to whom he must return after death.