The Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is built on five important acts called the Five Pillars. These pillars guide Muslims in their daily lives and worship. Here is a simple explanation of each, along with their purpose, frequency, eligibility, exceptions, and a relevant verse or hadith:

Shahada (Faith)

What it is: The declaration of faith.

Purpose: To affirm the belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.

Frequency: Once in a lifetime.

Eligibility: Every Muslim must declare this belief.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions; every Muslim must believe in and declare their faith.

 “There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise”

Quran 3:18

Salah (Prayer)

What it is: Praying five times a day.

Purpose: To connect Muslims with Allah and remind them of their faith throughout the day.

Frequency: Daily.

Eligibility: Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is of sound mind.

Exceptions:

• Those who are insane or mentally challenged
• Forgetfulness
• Those who are sleeping
• Children before puberty
• Women during their menstrual period

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times”

Quran 4:103

Zakat 

What it is: An obligatory form of almsgiving in Islam It involves giving a fixed portion 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth to designated categories of recipients, such as the poor and needy, to purify wealth, support the less fortunate, and promote social equity.

Purpose:

Zakat serves to purify the wealth and soul of the giver and to provide financial support to those in need, thereby fostering social justice and solidarity within the Muslim community.

Frequency: Once every Lunar year.

Eligibility To Recieve:

The 8 categories of Zakat recipients, as outlined in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60), are:

1. Fuqara (the poor): Those who do not have enough wealth to meet their basic needs.
2. Masakin (the needy): Those who are in greater distress than the poor and may not even have food for the day.
3. Amil (those employed to collect Zakat): Those who are appointed by the Islamic state or community to collect and distribute Zakat.
4. Muallaf (those whose hearts are to be reconciled): New Muslims or those inclined towards Islam who need support and encouragement.
5. Riqab (to free captives): For the emancipation of slaves or helping those in bondage.
6. Gharimin (those in debt): Individuals who are in debt and unable to meet their obligations.
7. Fi Sabilillah (for the cause of Allah): For activities and initiatives that promote Islam and benefit the Muslim community, including funding for Jihad (in a just and legal battle) and other forms of struggle in the path of Allah.
8. Ibn Sabil (the wayfarer): Travelers who are stranded and in need of financial assistance away from their home.

Eligibility To Give:

• The wealth must reach the nisab (minimum threshold)
  • The Nisab is the equivalent of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.
  • One lunar year must have passed since the wealth reached the Nisab.
• The rate that must be paid for Zakah is 2.5% of the total accumilated wealth.

Exceptions: Those who do not have accumilated wealth above the nisab level are not required to pay Zakat.

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase”

Quran 9:103

Sawm (Fasting)

What it is: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Purpose: To teach self-control and empathy for the hungry and poor.

Frequency: Yearly, during Ramadan.

Eligibility: Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is of sound mind.

Exceptions:

• Young children
• The elderly (who are still required to pray)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Travelers
• Those who are ill, including those with terminal illness
• Women during their menstrual period

 “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”

Quran 2:183

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

What it is: A journey to Mecca.

Purpose: To perform special acts of worship that show unity and equality among Muslims.

Frequency: Once in a lifetime.

Eligibility: Every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able.

Exceptions: Those who cannot afford the journey or are physically unable to travel are exempt from performing Hajj.

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass”
Quran 22:27

And Allah Knows Best