Pillar Of Islam
Shahada (Faith)
Definition: The Shahada is the declaration of faith, stating:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur Rasulullah”
(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
Significance:
It is the foundation of Islam, affirming the oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and acknowledging Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His final prophet.
Reciting the Shahada with sincerity is the entry point into Islam.
Practical Aspect:
Muslims live by this belief, avoiding idolatry and associating anything with Allah. It guides their actions, intentions, and purpose in life.
Salah (Prayer)
Definition: Muslims perform five daily prayers as a direct link between the worshiper and Allah.
Prayer Times:
Fajr – Before dawn
Dhuhr – Midday (after the sun has passed its zenith)
Asr – Afternoon
Maghrib – Just after sunset
Isha – Night
Significance: Encourages discipline, mindfulness, and a constant connection to Allah. Serves as a reminder of the purpose of life and the transient nature of worldly affairs.
Rituals: Ablution (Wudu): Cleansing before prayer.
Facing the Kaaba: All prayers are performed facing Mecca.
Physical Acts: Includes standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, combined with recitations.
Congregation: While prayers can be done individually, communal prayers, especially Jummah (Friday Prayer), are highly encouraged.
Zakat (Charity)
Definition: A mandatory almsgiving, usually 2.5% of one’s savings, given to the needy.
Purpose: Purifies wealth, reminding Muslims that all blessings come from Allah.
Alleviates poverty and fosters social justice and community support.
Eligible Recipients: According to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah: 60), Zakat is given to:
The poor, The needy, Zakat collectors
Those whose hearts need reconciliation
Those in bondage (slavery)
Those in debt
In the cause of Allah
Travelers in need
Sawm (Fasting)
Definition: Abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) during the month of Ramadan.
Purpose: Teaches self-restraint, patience, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Strengthens spiritual connection and reliance on Allah.
Who Must Fast: All adult Muslims, except those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, or traveling. These individuals can make up the fasts later or provide compensation (Fidya).
Daily Routine: Suhoor: Pre-dawn meal.
Iftar: Breaking the fast at sunset with dates and water, followed by the Maghrib prayer.
Spiritual Emphasis: Nights of Ramadan include extra prayers (Taraweeh) and the pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), a night better than a thousand months.
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Definition: A pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able, performed once in a lifetime.
When: Takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Key Rituals: Ihram: State of purity, marked by wearing simple white garments.
Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Arafat: Standing in prayer at Mount Arafat, the pinnacle of Hajj.
Muzdalifah: Collecting pebbles for stoning the pillars at Mina.
Ramy al-Jamarat: Stoning the symbolic devil.
Qurbani: Sacrificing an animal to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
Tawaf al-Ifadah: Final circling of the Kaaba.
Significance: Represents submission to Allah and unity among Muslims. A reminder of the Day of Judgment and equality, as all pilgrims wear similar clothing, erasing distinctions of wealth and status.