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5 Pilllars of Islam

1. Shahadah

(Kalima Tayyabah) – The Foundation of Islam

Shahadah is the first and most fundamental pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that brings a person into Islam and forms the foundation of all acts of worship. Without Shahadah, no worship is valid.

  • Meaning Bearing witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah
  • Kalima Tayyabah La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah
  • Core Belief Tawheed — the absolute oneness of Allah
  • Prophethood Acceptance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger and following his Sunnah

Hajj removes worldly distinctions and reminds believers of the purpose of life and the Day of Judgment. It is not merely a journey — it is a transformation of the soul.

Understanding the Shahadah:

“La ilaha illallah” — Rejects all false gods and affirms worship of Allah alone
“Muhammadur Rasoolullah ﷺ” — Confirms the finality of Prophethood and obedience to the Qur’an and Sunnah

Importance of Shahadah:

  • Shahadah is the beginning of Islam and the hope at the end of life. It is not just a statement — it is a lifelong commitment to Allah.

    • Belief in the heart

    • Declaration by the tongue

    • Actions that reflect faith
      Shahadah shapes a Muslim’s character, morality, and way of life

     

For more guidance and learning Regarding Shahdah, Please contact us on Direct Call or visit www.salaamulquloob.com.

2. Salah

(Prayer) – The Daily Connection With Allah

Salah is the main pillar of Islam and the most important act of worship after Shahadah. It is a daily obligation that connects a believer directly with Allah, bringing discipline, peace, and spiritual strength into everyday life.

  • Prescribed worship taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

  • First deed questioned on the Day of Judgment

  • Commanded directly by Allah during the Night Journey (Mi‘raj)

  • A source of guidance, protection from sin, and spiritual strength

Allah has made five daily prayers obligatory upon every adult Muslim: Fajr before sunrise, Zuhr after midday, Asr in the late afternoon, Maghrib just after sunset, and Isha at night. Each prayer has its appointed time, specific units (Rak‘ahs), and deep spiritual wisdom that helps structure a believer’s day around the remembrance of Allah.

Before offering Salah, certain conditions must be fulfilled, including purity of the body, clothing, and place of prayer, performing Wudu when required, facing the Qiblah, covering the Awrah, making a sincere intention (Niyyah), and praying within the prescribed time. These conditions emphasize cleanliness, discipline, and readiness to stand before Allah.

Salah is performed through standing with Qur’anic recitation, bowing in humility, prostrating in complete submission, and sitting while sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Every movement reflects obedience, humility, and devotion to Allah.

Regular Salah brings inner peace, strengthens faith, protects from immorality, develops discipline, and keeps the heart connected to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ described Salah as light for the believer, and when performed with sincerity, it becomes a source of comfort, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. True success lies in maintaining this daily connection with Allah.

For more guidance and learning Regarding Salah, Please contact us on Direct Call or visit www.salaamulquloob.com.

3. Sawm

(Fasting) Spiritual Discipline and Self-Purification

Sawm, or fasting, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory act of worship observed during the month of Ramadan, requiring complete abstention from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset. Fasting is not only physical restraint but a powerful means of spiritual purification and self-discipline.

  • An obligatory pillar of Islam observed in Ramadan

  • A means of self-control, patience, and spiritual growth

  • A reminder of the suffering of the less fortunate

  • A path to closeness with Allah and moral refinement

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 29 or 30 days. It is a sacred month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed and during which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the month of fasting shifts each year.

Fasting trains a believer in patience, discipline, wisdom, and compassion. It weakens desires, softens the heart, and strengthens empathy for those who live with hunger and hardship daily. Alongside abstaining from food and drink, Muslims are required to guard their speech, behavior, and intentions.

Ramadan is also a month of worship and renewal, marked by increased Qur’an recitation, nightly prayers (Tarawih and Tahajjud), charity, and remembrance of Allah. The month concludes with the blessed festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebration of gratitude, unity, and submission to the will of Allah.

Fasting is not a burden but a mercy — a means of purification, growth, and spiritual elevation. Through Sawm, believers learn that true strength lies in self-restraint and obedience to Allah.

For more guidance and learning Regarding Fasting, Please contact us on Direct Call or visit www.salaamulquloob.com.

4. Zakat

A Pillar of Faith and Purification of Wealth

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory act of worship that purifies wealth, nurtures compassion, and strengthens the bond within the Muslim Ummah. It is not merely charity, but a right of the poor upon the wealth granted by Allah, promoting social justice and economic balance in society.

  • An obligatory pillar of Islam mentioned alongside Salah

  • A means of purifying wealth and the heart

  • A system of social welfare and economic balance

  • A trust from Allah and a responsibility upon the believer

The word Zakat means purification and growth. In Islamic law, it refers to a fixed portion of wealth that eligible Muslims must give annually once their wealth reaches the Nisab and has been held for one lunar year. Zakat becomes obligatory upon adult, sane Muslims who possess complete ownership of wealth equal to or above the Nisab, which is measured by the value of gold or silver.

The standard rate of Zakat is 2.5% (1/40th) and it is payable on cash, savings, bank balances, gold, silver, business inventory, and investments intended for profit. Personal-use items such as one’s home, clothing, and vehicle are exempt from Zakat.

Allah has clearly defined those eligible to receive Zakat, including the poor, the needy, those in debt, travelers in difficulty, and other specified categories mentioned in the Qur’an. Zakat must be given with sincerity, dignity, and compassion, ensuring that wealth circulates within the community.

Unlike Sadaqah, which is voluntary and can be given at any time in any amount, Zakat is obligatory, has a fixed rate, and must be distributed to specific recipients. Both carry great reward, but Zakat is a duty while Sadaqah is an additional act of goodness.

Giving Zakat brings barakah, purifies wealth and the soul, reduces poverty, strengthens social unity, and earns the pleasure of Allah. Zakat is not a loss of wealth, but an investment in this world and the Hereafter, reminding believers that wealth is a trust from Allah.

For more guidance and learning Regarding Zakat, Please contact us on Direct Call or visit www.salaamulquloob.com.

5. Hajj

The Sacred Journey of Faith

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able. Performed during the month of Dhul Hijjah in Makkah, it follows the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Hajj is both a physical journey and a profound spiritual transformation.

  • Purpose: Submission to Allah, unity of the Ummah, patience, and renewal of faith
  • Who Must Perform Adult, sane Muslims who are physically and financially capable
  • Main Days 8th–13th Dhul Hijjah (including the Day of Arafah)
  • Core Rituals Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i, Wuquf at Arafah, Mina & Muzdalifah, Rami, Qurbani, Farewell Tawaf
  • Spiritual Impact: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i, Wuquf at Arafah, Mina & Muzdalifah, Rami, Qurbani, Farewell Tawaf
  • Reward An accepted Hajj has no reward except Jannah

Hajj removes worldly distinctions and reminds believers of the purpose of life and the Day of Judgment. It is not merely a journey — it is a transformation of the soul.

Difference of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is Obligatory once in a lifetime, performed on fixed dates, includes Wuquf at Arafah, while Umrah voluntary, can be performed anytime, shorter and simpler
Both are blessed acts of worship, but Hajj holds a unique and higher status.

Preparation of Hajj

  • Sincere intention (Niyyah)

  • Learning the rulings and rituals of Hajj

  • Halal earnings for expenses

  • Repentance from sins

  • Patience and good character

For more guidance and learning Regarding Hajj, Please contact us on Direct Call or visit www.salaamulquloob.com.