The Pillars of Islam

The pillars of Islam are the cornerstone on which Islam was built. There are five pillars of Islam. They are mentioned in the Hadist that was narrated by Ibn Omar, whose translation means that the prophet said, “Islam was built around five (pillars): The testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Mohammed is His slave and Messenger, to establish prayer, to give Zakat (obligatory charity), to fast in Ramadhan, and to perform Hajj (pilgrimage).” [Al Bukari and Muslim].

The Shahadah, the testimony that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and Mohammed is His slave and Messenger requires solid belief in it in the heart. This belief must also be confirmed by the tongue. It is called Shahadah (testimony to show that when a believer belief in it, his belief is as solid as if he is an eyewitness). This Shahadah is one of cornerstone, although it contains many aspects that must be taken as belief. This testimony (comprised of two testimonies as apparent), is considered one cornerstone, either because it contains testifying that Mohammed on only a conveyer of the Message from Allah and His Slave and Messenger - thus completing the testimony that Allah is one, or because these two testimonies are the reason behind the acceptance of deeds by Allah. Deeds are neither valid nor accepted unless they are done with sincerity for the sake of Allah alone, and this is called “ikhlas”, and through following the way of messenger of Allah. Realizing the essence of this testimony, that there is no god except Allah, is a result of ikhlas (sincerity) to Allah. Realizing the true essence of testifying that Mohammed is His Slave and Messenger comes s a result of following the messenger of Allah.

This magnificent testimony leads many sweet results. It frees the hearts and souls from being enslaved to the creation and following other than the Messenger.

Establishing the prayers means to worship Allah by praying to Him. One must preserve the prayers by establishing them on tome and in the best manner, as taught by the Prophet.

Reward for establishing the prayers includes tranquility and happiness that are felt in heart. Prayer also leads one to abandoning evil deeds and behavior.

Paying Zakat is worshiping Allah by paying the amount of charity obligated on the ones who have enough money or possessions that require paying zakat. Paying the require Zakah leads to cleansing the heart from evil of misery. It also fulfills the need of Islam and Moslems.

Fasting Ramadhan contains worshiping Allah by fasting during the days of this month, by not eating or drinking from dawn to sunset. Fasting trains the souls to abandon what is preferred and desired, seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Performing Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) is worshiping Allah by visiting the Holy House to perform the rituals og Hajja. Hajj trains the souls and physics, seeking to obey Allah. This is why Hajj is considered a type of Jihad (struggle), for it also includes physical efforts.

These fruits of performing the pillars of Islam, along with many others we did not mention, make Moslems nation pure and clean. They lead the nation to preserving the religion of Truth and dealing with the creation in the best manners of justice and truthfulness. All other acts of the religion depend on how well these pillars are preserved. The Ummah (Moslems nations) can reach success as long as it members preserve the religion. This Ummah will not reach the desired success as long as the religion not fully respected and preserved.