Five Pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the simply rules or guidelines of how we demonstrate our devotion to Allah-swt. They also are the way we keep remberance of Allah-swt in our hearts.

Shahadah

Shahadah is simply put, testimony. It is the first and most important of the pillars. The testimony is: Ashhadu anla ilah illa-Allah wa ashhaduan Muhammad-an rasul Allah, I bear witness that there is no god, but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.

This rectification of the Islamic creed is absolutely necessary to be Muslim. To believe in any other god than the Almighty Himself, then one cannot be Muslim. This is the largest separation or division between Christians, Jews and Muslims.

It would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony orally either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.

This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.

Salat

Turn ye back in repentance to Him and fear Him: establish regular prayers and be not ye among those who join gods with Allah 30:31

۞ مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ٣١

Prayer, the second pillar of Islam, is required to be performed five times a day. The times are: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night-time.

Prayer is essential, without it, one cannot obtain salvation. prayer also centers one on the goal of life: to please Allah-swt and enter into paradise.

Zakat

Charity is the third pillar of Islam. The saying "It is better to give than to receive" is very true. Allah-swt wants us to give some of what we have to the poor and needy. It is expressed by the Ayahs:

And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces toward East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers; to spend of your substance out of love for Him for your kin for orphans for the needy for the wayfarer for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing. 2:43

The charity, or alms, is to be given at a set rate of about 2.5% of your capital. This charity should be given either directly to a person in need, or through an organization, such as a masjid.

Fasting during Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month of fasting. All able adults are required to fast, if the are medically capable of doing so. The fast is to last from Fajr to Maghrib. No food, liquid or sexual relations are allowed. OK, now what should a person do if they cannot fast? Give alms, equal to feeding one person for each day one cannot fast, or fast another day.

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. 2:185

Ramadan is also the month that the Prophet started to receive revelations from Allah-swt.

Hajj

Hajj is the last of the pillars of Islam. It is a requirement of all Muslims, if one can afford it.

And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it) send an offering for sacrifice such as ye may find and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving) (he should) in compensation either fast or feed the poor or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again) if anyone wishes to continue the 'Umra on to the Hajj he must make an offering such as he can afford it he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is strict in punishment. 2:196