Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: Islam is built on five pillars. What are the five pillars and what are they called?

قال نبينا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم "بني الإسلام على خمس". ما هي الخمس التي بني عليها الإسلام؟ وماذا تسمى؟

Islam is firmly built upon five foundational acts, collectively known as the Pillars of Islam. These are the declaration of faith, establishing prayer, observing the fast, paying alms, and performing the pilgrimage for those who are physically and financially able.

بُني الإسلام على خمسة أركان أساسية تُعرف بأركان الإسلام. وهي: الشهادتان، وإقام الصلاة، وصوم رمضان، وإيتاء الزكاة، وحج بيت الله الحرام لمن استطاع إليه سبيلاً.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) taught that Islam is built on five core foundations. These five foundational acts are universally called the Pillars of Islam.

قال نبينا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم "بني الإسلام على خمس". وتسمى هذه الخمس: أركان الإسلام.

The Five Pillars | الأركان الخمسة

1. The Declaration of Faith (Shahada)
Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
1. الشهادتان
شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً رسول الله.

2. Prayer (Salah)
Performing Salah (prayer).
2. الصلاة
إقام الصلاة.

3. Almsgiving (Zakat)
Paying Zakat (alms).
3. الزكاة
إيتاء الزكاة.

4. Fasting (Siyaam)
Observing Siyaam (fasting).
4. الصوم
صوم رمضان.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Performing Hajj (going to pilgrimage) for those who can afford it.
5. الحج
وحج بيت الله الحرام لمن استطاع إليه سبيلا.

Scholarly Insight: In Islamic theology, the metaphor of a "building" is used deliberately by the Prophet (pbuh). Just as a physical structure will collapse if its foundational pillars are removed, the religion of Islam cannot be established or maintained in a person's life without these five continuous acts. The Shahada serves as the absolute spiritual foundation, while Salah, Zakat, Siyaam, and Hajj act as the daily, annual, and lifetime physical and financial commitments required to uphold and protect that foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة

What are the five foundations of Islam called?

These five essential acts of worship are collectively called the Pillars of Islam.

What is the first and most important pillar?

The first pillar is testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Is the pilgrimage (Hajj) mandatory for every single person?

No, performing Hajj is only a mandatory pillar for those who can afford it physically and financially.

Chapter 2 - Islamic Creed

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