What are the five pillars of Islam?
Quick Answer
The five pillars are: Shahadah (testimony of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakah (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah for those able).
Detailed Answer
The five pillars are the foundation of Muslim practice, established in the hadith of Jibreel and the famous hadith of Ibn Umar (Sahih Bukhari 8): 'Islam is built upon five.'
1. Shahadah: Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. This is the entry point to Islam.
2. Salah: Five daily prayers at fixed times (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha). Established by Quran 4:103 and the Mi'raj.
3. Zakah: 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a lunar year, given to specified recipients (Quran 9:60).
4. Sawm: Fasting from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan (Quran 2:183).
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those physically and financially able (Quran 3:97).
Sources
- Sahih Bukhari 8
- Sahih Muslim 16
- Quran 2:183, 3:97, 4:103, 9:60
Disclaimer: This answer is educational guidance based on authentic sources. For binding rulings on personal matters, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.