Islam is based on the five well-known pillars.



The last messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
‘ “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing regular prayer (salaah); paying the zakaah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadaan.” (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8) ‘



The 5 pillars consist of :



1-The testimony of faith (shahaadah) which means to testify that:

There is no god/deity worthy of worship except Allah

and Muhammad peace be upon him is the servant and final messenger of Allah.



We must maintain this concept of Islamic monotheism and understand Allah is the Lord of all creation and He has no partners and He alone deserves worship.

We must also adhere to the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (practices and teachings of the final messenger Muhammad peace be upon him.)

2- Salaah (the prayer)
There are five obligatory prayers enjoined on us at fixed times.

Fajr (early morning, before the sun rises), Zuhr (slightly after zenith), ‘Asr (in the afternoon hours), Maghrib (after sun has set), ‘Ishaa (in the evening hours).

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“Verily, As Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”
[Qur’an chapter 4:103]

3- Zakaah- 2.5 % of your wealth to those deserving of it, every lunar/Hijri year, if your wealth reaches the minimum threshold.



 

4-Ramadhan- fasting for 29/30 days in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, from dawn to dusk, in obedience to Allah. No food, nor drink nor intimacy during these hours.

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[Qur'an,  2:183]

5-Hajj- pilgrimage to the Holy city Makkah, if you meet the conditions. It is an act of worship and obedience to Allah, The Most Merciful Creator.



“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

[Qur'an 3:97]