1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
- Transliteration: “Ashadu an la ilaha illa illa-ilah, wa ashadu anna muhammadan rasul ullah.”
- Translation: “There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Significance:
- The Shahadah is a declaration of faith and the core belief of Islam.
- It signifies the belief that the purpose of life is to serve and obey God through the teachings of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (SAW).
- Recitation of the Shahadah in Arabic, in front of two Muslim witnesses, is required to become a Muslim.
Expanded Meaning:
- Acknowledgement of Allah’s purity, greatness, and omnipotence.
- Confession of sins and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
2. Salah (Prayer)
Salah is the obligatory prayer performed five times a day at prescribed times.
Daily Prayers and Rakaats:
| Prayer | Sunnah (before) | Fard | Sunnah (after) | Nafl | Witr | Nafl (additional) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – |
| Dhur | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | – | – |
| Asr | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | – |
| Maghrib | – | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | – |
| Isha | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Virtues and Benefits:
- Strengthens spiritual faculties.
- Purifies the spirit and protects from evil.
- Establishes a direct relationship with the Creator.
Quranic Reference:
- “Recite that which has been revealed to thee of the Book, and observe Prayer. Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. And Allah knows what you do.” (Quran 29:46)
Prophetic Saying:
- “Giving up prayer is equal to disbelief and associating partners with Allah.” (Muslim)
3. Saum (Fasting)
Definition:
- Fasting during the month of Ramadan, refraining from food, drink, and conjugal relations from dawn to dusk.
Purpose:
- Develop spiritual strength, self-discipline, and compassion for the less fortunate.
- Emphasises charity and the remembrance of God.
Significance:
- Enhances spiritual development and equality between the rich and poor.
4. Zakah (Almsgiving)
Definition:
- Obligatory charity, typically 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth.
Purpose:
- Purification of wealth and support for the needy.
- Promotes social justice and sympathy.
Key Principle:
- Zakat is not levied on personal use items but on assets that can grow.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Definition:
- Annual pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who can afford it.
Significance:
- Symbolises Muslim unity and the origin of their faith.
- Includes visiting holy sites and performing specific rites.
Key Aspects:
- Emphasises equality and devotion to God.
- Strengthens the bond among Muslims worldwide.
Ceremonial Practices:
- Involves a series of rituals over several days, culminating in the gathering at the Ka’aba, the House of Allah (SWT).
Conclusion
The Five Pillars of Islam form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice, guiding their worship, ethical conduct, and community responsibilities. Through Shahadah, Salah, Saum, Zakah, and Hajj, Muslims demonstrate their devotion, strengthen their spiritual connection, and contribute to the welfare of society.