The 5 pillars of Islam

 As-Salamu-Alaikum(Peace be upon you)! I hope you all are doing well by the will of Allah, in today's post, I want to share with you the fundamental principles of our beautiful faith, the 5 pillars of Islam

As we all know when we are constructing a building, we focus more on its foundation. A strong foundation is really important for the stability and longevity of the building. Similarly, these pillars are the basic foundation for a Muslim's belief. Let's break down these pillars to understand them in a better and more effective way.

What are the 5 pillars of Islam?

  • Shahadah
  • Salah
  • Zakat
  • Sawm
  • Hajj
Reference from the Hadith;

Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Islam is built upon five: to worship Allah and to disbelieve in what is worshiped besides Him, to establish prayer, to give charity, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to the house, and to fast the month of Ramadan.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 8, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 16



1. Shahada: The Faith Declaration

What is Shahadah?

The Islamic creed is known as the Shahada. The phrase, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is His Prophet," is basic but deep. This statement, which represents a Muslim's acknowledgment of Muhammad's (PBUH) prophetic status and the unity of God, is the foundation of Islam.

What Makes It Important?
It embodies the fundamental principle of Islam, the Shahada is the first and most significant pillar. It is chanted every day during prayers and at other times in a Muslim's life, and it serves as the entrance to becoming a Muslim. It has to do with embracing Muhammad (PBUH) as God's messenger and admitting to the unity of God.

Engaging Thought💭
Imagine this: The Shahada is the first thing you hear when you become a new Muslim. It resembles the particular handshake given to you when entering a religious society. Consider it the key to opening the door to an abundance of spiritual and group activities.

2. Salah: The Ritual Prayer

What is Salah?

The term "salah" describes the prayers that are offered five times a day: before dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. Through these prayers, the worshipper and God can communicate directly and gain time for reflection, appreciation, and guidance-seeking.

What Makes It Important?

Muslims find that offering the salah helps them stay in constant communication with God throughout the day. It provides opportunities for introspection and acts as a reminder of the divine presence. These prayers give the day direction and strengthen self-control and awareness.

Engaging Thought💭

Think of the salah as a phone reminder system that helps you keep focused on your objectives. Like pausing to realign yourself with your own goals, every prayer serves as a checkpoint that guides you back to your spiritual focus.



3. Zakat: The  Practice of Giving Charity

What is Zakat?

Giving a percentage of one's wealth to people in need is known as zakat. Muslims are obligated to donate a set portion (often 2.5%) of their investments and savings to charities. Giving back to the community promotes its welfare and lessens inequality.

What Makes It Important?

Zakat purifies wealth by recognizing that it is ultimately God's creation. In addition to ensuring that wealth is distributed and helps those in need, it cultivates compassion and a sense of social responsibility. It's a means of purifying one's soul and wealth.

Engaging Thought💭

Think of Zakat as "spring cleaning." Zakat assists in keeping your riches and heart pure and in line with moral and spiritual principles, much like you clean your house to maintain it hospitable and orderly.



4. Sawm: The Fasting Customs

What is Sawm?

Sawm is the custom of fasting from sunrise to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and meeting other physical requirements during this time. The fast is a spiritual as well as physical struggle that seeks to teach self-discipline and compassion for those who are less fortunate.

What Makes It Important?

Fasting in Ramadan improves one's capacity for self-control, patience, and spiritual concentration. Muslims should also use this time to deepen their devotion by praying, reading the Quran, and performing good deeds. The purpose of going through hunger and thirst is to develop a stronger sense of thankfulness and a closer relationship with God.

Engaging Thought💭

Think about fasting as a kind of meditation. Similar to how retreats give you space from everyday distractions to concentrate on personal development, fasting gives you a specific time to think, refuel spiritually, and reinforce what is important to you.


5. Hajj: The Holy Journey

What is Hajj?

For those who are financially and physically capable, the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca. It is carried out in Dhu al-Hijjah, the Islamic month. A number of customs are observed throughout the trip, such as circumambulating around the Kaaba, standing at the Arafat plain, and throwing stones at pillars that represent temptation.

What Makes It Important?

The Hajj represents equality and togetherness. Muslims from all over the world assemble, dressing simply and carrying out identical rituals as a sign that all people are created equal in the eyes of God. It's an intense spiritual journey that ends with a group worship and submitting experience.

Engaging Thought💭

Consider the Hajj as the highest point of spiritual travel, something like a massive, life-changing expedition that every Muslim should experience at least once in their lives. People from all over the world come together on this journey to share a powerful experience of faith and unity.

Conclusion:

I hope that this blog has cleared all of your confusions regarding the 5 pillars of Islam. Remember me in your prayers. May Allah guide you, bless you, and grant you peace and happiness in all that you do.

JazakAllah Khair,
 

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