As Muslims, we are guided by the Five Pillars which form the foundation of our faith and practices. These pillars were derived from the words of the Holy Quran and the authentic teachings (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The First Pillar: 

Shahadah (Testimony of Faith): The testimony of faith is the first step in accepting Islam. It is declared by stating "There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This pillar affirms the absolute Oneness of God and the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad as God's final messenger.

The Quran states, "And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers." (3:85)

The Second Pillar:

Salah (Prayer) : Salah are the five daily obligatory prayers that structure the day for Muslims. They remind us of our duty to worship and serve Allah alone through dedicated times of supplication. The five daily prayers were given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he went on the miraculous journey (Miraj). It was during this journey that he received the commandment for Muslims to pray five times a day. This commandment was revealed directly by Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad said, "The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Resurrection will be prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad." (Tirmidhi)

Successful indeed are the believers; those who are humble in their prayer; (21:1-2)

The Prophet Muhammad said, “The Difference between a believing man and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salat.” (Sahih Muslim 82b)

The Third Pillar:

 Zakah (Compulsory Charity) : Zakah is an annual payment of a portion of one's wealth (2.5%) prescribed by Allah to assist the less fortunate. It purifies the remaining wealth and promotes solidarity within the Muslim community. It is a mandatory act of charity prescribes to every muslim.

Alms-givers, both men and  women, who give a generous loan to God, shall have it  multiplied and shall have an honourable reward. (Quran 57:18)

Alms are only for the poor and the destitute, for those who collect zakat, for conciliating people’s hearts, for freeing slaves, for those in debt, for spending for God’s cause, and for travellers in need. It is a legal obligation enjoined by God. God is all-knowing and wise. Quran (9:60)

The Fourth Pillar:

Sawm (Fasting) : Sawm, or fasting during Ramadan, is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn until dusk each day of this lunar month. Beyond physical restraints, fasting cultivates self-discipline, compassion for the underprivileged, and spiritual purification. With the niyyah (intention) of seeking Allah's pleasure, Muslims increase worship like prayer, Quran recitation, and charity. Exemptions apply for children, elderly, pregnant/nursing women, travelers, and the ill. Each day's fast culminates in the evening iftar meal at sunset, providing spiritual rejuvenation and renewed determination to follow religious obligations diligently. 

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so you may guard yourself agains evil." (2:183)

Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven." - (Bukhari - Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 38)

The Fifth Pillar:

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that able Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime. It commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. During Hajj, millions of Muslims from around the world congregate in Mecca to perform a series of rituals over five days. These include circling the Kaaba, spending a day at Mount Arafat, and symbolically stoning the devil. Hajj promotes unity, equality, and submission to Allah. By leaving behind material possessions, pilgrims renew their faith and sense of inner peace through this spiritually purifying journey.

And We made the House [the Ka‘bah] a place of assembly and a sanctuary for mankind, [saying], ‘Make the place where Abraham stood a place of worship.’ We commanded Abraham and Ishmael, ‘Purify My House for those who walk round it, those who stay there for devotion, and those who bow down and prostrate themselves.’ (Quran 2:125)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Five Pillars encompass the core beliefs and practices in Islam. They strengthen our faith, promote righteous conduct, and unite Muslims across the world through worship of the One God. May we all be guided to uphold these pillars steadfastly.

Brothers & Sisters , let's strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives, seeking Allah's pleasure in all our endeavors.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand. (Quran 12:2)

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