Every Muslim has five main responsibilities, or pillars of faith, that they must uphold throughout their lives. Again, it was mentioned Must, and no other exceptions. The cornerstone of Muslim faith and behavior is found in the Five Pillars of Islam. First and foremost, Muhammad's prophetic status and the unity of Allah are attested to in the Shahada, or profession of faith. Five times a day, Muslims undertake the traditional prayer known as salah, which strengthens their ties to Allah and promotes attentiveness and spiritual discipline. Almsgiving to the less fortunate, or zakat, is a reflection of the concepts of social justice and economic solidarity. Sawm, the practice of fasting throughout the month of Ramadan, fosters gratitude, empathy, and self-control. Last but not least, the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, emphasizes equality and togetherness among Muslims all over the world and is a profoundly spiritual event. These pillars work together to create the basis of an all-encompassing and pious Islamic way of life.
The Five Pillars of Islam-
1. Faith or belief in the Oneness of God (Allah) and the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh);
2. Establishment of the 5 daily prayers;
3. Caring about and providing money for the poor;
4. Fasting throughout Ramadan as a means of self-purification.
5. Hajj (pilgrimage). The journey to Mecca for those who can afford it.
According to the Quran
Shahada (Declaration of Faith):
Quran 3:18: "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 (Prayer):
Quran 2:238: "Guard strictly your prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind)."
Zakat (Charity):
Quran 2:267-273: These verses discuss the importance of giving to charity and helping those in need.
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan):
Quran 2:183: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
Quran 3:97: "In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds."
It is noteworthy that although these passages are connected to the Five Pillars, the specific customs and ceremonies are frequently taken from the Hadith, which are the sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islamic beliefs and customs are based on the combination of the Quran and Hadith.
According to Hadith
Shahada (Declaration of Faith):
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, and that 'Isa (Jesus) is the servant of Allah, His Messenger, and His Word which He bestowed in Maryam (Mary) and a spirit created from Him; and that Paradise is true and Hell is true - Allah will admit him into Paradise, whatever his deeds." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 23, Hadith 355)
Salah (Prayer):
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a servant stands for prayer, all his sins are brought and placed on his head and shoulders. Every time he bows or prostrates, they fall away from him." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 5, Hadith 771)
Zakat (Charity):
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Take from their wealth to give to the poor among them." (Sahih Muslim, Book 5, Hadith 1057)
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan):
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 1)
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any evil or do any evil, will go back as free from sins as the day his mother gave birth to him." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 26, Hadith 596)
Please note that there are multiple collections of Hadith, and the references provided here are from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which are two of the most widely accepted collections by Sunni Muslims.
In summary, the Five Pillars of Islam are fundamental principles that direct a Muslim's faith and behavior. They are encapsulated in the words of the Quran and the references to Hadith. The Quran's emphasis on divine testimony is highlighted by the Shahada, which affirms Allah's unity. Salah, which is expressed in verses that demand unwavering prayer, denotes devotion to and a spiritual relationship. Verse incorporates the idea of Zakat, highlighting economic justice and compassion, while Hadith emphasizes the obligation to help the less fortunate. The Quran affirms and promotes sawm, and certain Hadiths bolster its function in atoning for transgressions. The Quran's obligatory Hajj stands for Muslim equality and solidarity, while Hadith highlights the pilgrimage's transformational power. These lines from the Quran and the allusions to Hadith together capture the all-encompassing and interwoven nature of the Five Pillars, offering a model for an upright and pious Muslim life. In other words, naming our children Muhammad doesn't make them Muslims or believers in Islam. As was already established, the secret to being a good Muslim is their everyday practices.
