The Foundation of Muslim Life
Ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet Muhammad said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakat; fasting in Ramadan; and Hajj to the House (the Ka”bah).” [Bukhari, 8; Muslim, 16]
Shahadah:
Shahadah is the Arabic term given to making a declaration of faith and dedication to your belief that there is only one God, Allah SWT and that He sent His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to guide us. As the First Pillar of Islam, Shahadah is one of the most important and acts as your first submission to Islam and announcing your intention as a true follower. Reverts to Islam are also required to make Shahadah as their first act of joining the faith and this serves as an affirmation of their commitment to their faith.
To make Shahadah, intent is important, and you must recite the declaration sincerely three times with intent in your heart and mind.
“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Salah:
Salah, also written as Salat, is the second Pillar of Islam and the act of obligatory daily prayer that is carried out five times a day at set times. The five prayer times fall between dawn and midnight, although the times change depending on where you are in the world and the time of year, in line with the lunar calendar. The prayers in order are as follows.
The five prayers are:
– Fajr; dawn, before the sun has fully risen
– Zhuhr; midday, once the sun has passed the highest point
– Asr; late afternoon, and before the sun begins to set
– Maghrib; after sunset, once the sun dips below the horizon
– Isha; between sunset and midnight
Whilst Salah is an act of worship to Allah SWT, it is not, in any way, shape or form, for anyone’s benefit other than oneself – Salah is an important reminder that there is no one greater than Allah SWT. During Salah, the mind should be free from any other worldly thoughts.
Many Muslims prefer to pray in congregation at their local Mosque which is a great way of demonstrating humanity and equality in Islam – in other words, we were all created by Allah SWT and we shall all return to Allah SWT.
Praying is a way to communicate, thank and remember Allah.
“Establish prayer and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.
Zakat:
Zakat literally means ‘to cleanse’ but is recognized by many as ‘charity’. In Islam, it is believed that Allah SWT has intentionally created different levels of wealth for each individual to test humanity and generosity amongst believers. Every year, Muslims pay a 2.5% share of their held wealth (cash, property, gold, and silver) over a certain threshold to charity to help those less fortunate than themselves.
An important lesson of Zakat is the acknowledgeable that nothing we gain in this world is ever truly ours, it will not accompany us to the Hereafter, and it has no use to be buried with us. Rather than our wealth, it is our good deeds towards those who need help and support that will help us enter Jannah (Heaven) and this shouldn’t be forgotten.
The belongings we have in this world are just that – material items – and these items provide no spiritual guidance. Instead, it is how we use the wealth and materials we have gained to help others that will enhance our journey to the Hereafter and help us to let go and turn away from greed.
In addition to Zakat, it is also good to give to those in need whenever we can. Whether it is to help those overcoming worldly conflicts and emergencies or those suffering from poverty and hunger, each act of giving is greatly rewarded in Islam – be it in our today or in our Hereafter.
“And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience”.
Sawm:
The term Sawm means to fast, which is where the month of Ramadan comes in. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is more than simply avoiding food. It is the practice of discipline and the abstaining of temptations and bad habits. From sunrise to sunset, able Muslims should avoid food and drink (including water), sexual activity, smoking and intoxication and any impure thoughts. Throughout Ramadan and the rest of the year, everyone should abstain from acts of evil and causing harm to oneself or others.
One of the key principles of this month is to attain taqwa (closeness to Allah SWT) and to instill fear of Allah SWT. The month itself holds countless rewards for those who seek repentance, practice, and give to charity.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Hajj:
The fifth and final pillar of Islam is Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a time that Muslims from around the world congregate in Mecca to worship Allah SWT and perform several rituals to strengthen their faith and devotion. Pilgrims must wear plain white clothing and enter a spiritual state of holiness, known as Ihram. Ihram helps promote unity amongst the Ummah in attendance, for no man or women, rich or poor, resident or traveller, stands above another. Regardless of our age, ethnicity, status and race, in the eyes of Allah SWT, we are all equal.
Hajj falls in the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, from the 8th to the 12th. It is a journey that every Muslim is obligated to take at least once in their lifetime and is a spiritual time that allows you to become closer to Allah SWT.
“And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah…”