The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj

Introduction

The Five Pillars are the framework of Islam. They shape belief, worship, and community life, guiding Muslims in faith and practice. Each pillar has its own purpose, conditions, and rules that together build a balanced life devoted to Allah.

Understanding the Five Pillars

The Five Pillars are not optional. They are the duties that define a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and with people. Together, they nurture faith, discipline, charity, unity, and devotion.

Shahada (Faith)

What it is: The declaration of faith. See more on the Shahadah.
Purpose: To affirm belief in Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s ﷺ prophethood.
Frequency: Once in a lifetime.
Eligibility: Every Muslim must declare this belief.

Exceptions: None.

“There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” Qur’an 3:18

Salah (Prayer)

What it is: The five daily prayers. Learn more about the significance of Salah.
Purpose: To connect with Allah and remain mindful.
Frequency: Five times daily.
Eligibility: Obligatory on every Muslim who has reached puberty and is of sound mind.

Exceptions:

• Children before puberty
• Those with mental incapacity
• Those who are sleeping or forgetful
• Women during menstruation

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” Qur’an 4:103

Zakat (Charity)

What it is: Giving 2.5% of the eligible wealth to specified groups. Read more on Zakat and giving wealth.
Purpose: To purify wealth, uplift the poor, and establish justice.
Frequency: Once every lunar year.

Eligibility to Give:

• Wealth must reach nisab:
  • 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver
  • Held for one lunar year
• Rate: 2.5% of accumulated wealth

Eligibility to Receive: Eight categories listed in Qur’an 9:60.

1. Fuqara (the poor)
2. Masakin (the needy)
3. Amil (collectors)
4. Muallaf (new Muslims or inclined hearts)
5. Riqab (freeing captives)
6. Gharimin (those in debt)
7. Fi Sabilillah (in Allah’s cause)
8. Ibn Sabil (the stranded traveler)

Exceptions: Those with wealth below nisab.

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” Qur’an 9:103

Sawm (Fasting)

What it is: Fasting in Ramadan. See the full guide on fasting in Ramadan.
Purpose: To build self-control and God-consciousness.
Frequency: Once every year in Ramadan.
Eligibility: Obligatory for every Muslim of sound mind who has reached puberty.

Exceptions:

• Children
• The elderly unable to fast
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Travelers
• The sick (temporary or chronic)
• Women during menstruation

“O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.” Qur’an 2:183

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

What it is: The pilgrimage to Makkah. Learn more in the Hajj guide.
Purpose: To show unity, humility, and devotion.
Frequency: Once in a lifetime.
Eligibility: Required for every Muslim who is financially able and physically fit.

Exceptions: Those unable to afford or physically incapable.

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” Qur’an 22:27

Addressing Misconceptions

• Shahada: It is not only words. True Shahada requires belief, testimony, and action.
• Salah: Remembering Allah does not replace prayer. Salah is fixed at appointed times, Qur’an 4:103
• Zakat: It is not voluntary sadaqah. Zakat is a fixed duty with clear rules, Qur’an 9:60
• Sawm: Fasting is not just avoiding food. The Prophet ﷺ said it includes guarding one’s behavior, Sahih al-Bukhari 1903
• Hajj: It is not annual. Hajj is once in a lifetime for those able Qur’an 3:97

Classical scholars like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Ibn Qudāmah stressed that neglecting the pillars weakens the very foundation of Islam.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Aal Imran 3:18: Shahada, testimony of faith.
2. An-Nisa 4:103: Prayer at fixed times.
3. At-Tawbah 9:60: Eight categories of Zakat recipients.
4. At-Tawbah 9:103: Zakat purifies wealth.
5. Al-Baqarah 2:183: Fasting is prescribed for believers.
6. Al-Hajj 22:27: Call to perform Hajj.

Hadith

7. Sahih al-Bukhari 8: Islam is built upon five pillars.

Secondary Sources

8. Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī: Classical fiqh rulings.
9. Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Commentary on hadith.
10. Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan: Contemporary explanations.