Pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the five basic acts of Islam. They are considered obligatory for all muslims. The Quran present them as a sign of commitment to the faith. They are Shahadah, Salat, Sawm, Zakat and Hajj.

Shahadah

Shahadah is saying and accepting the oneness of Allah Almighty and prophet of Muhammad (SAW). Shahdah is a statement recited in Arabic as, ‘La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasulullah’ which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger” in English. Also one should should try to say the declaration of Faith when dying. It is obligatory to say this when converting to Islam.

Salat

Salat is Islamic prayer. It consists of five daily prayers: fajr, Dhuhr, Asar, Maghrib and Isha. The timings of prayers are fixed according to the position of sun. Each prayer consists of certain amount of sequence of actions and words called Rakat.

Sawm

Sawm is Arabic word for fasting. By Islamic law Sawm means to abstain from eating, drinking, sex and anything prohibited by Islamic Law. Sawm during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Tauhid, Salat, Zakat and Hajj. Sawm is obligatory in Ramadan but it can be observed other time of year also. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,” (2:183)

Zakat

Zakat is the most important worship performed financially. Muslims who fulfill the duty the duty of giving Zakat are promised endless rewards in this world and hereafter. In the same way those who refuse to follow instructions about Zakat, are warned about strict punishments by Quran and Muhammad (SAW). The ratio of Zakat is 2.5% of total wealth and is obligatory on every wealthy and rich Muslim.

Hajj

Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting) and Zakat. Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah to perform hajj. Hajj is performed in the Islamic month of Dul-Hajj. It is obligatory on every sane and able adult Muslim.