The five pillars of Islam are the basis of the religion for all the believers. Every Muslim is obliged to follow these pillars not only to strengthen their relationship with the Almighty but also gain blessings in this world and in the life hereafter. These pillars define your faith and way of life. Anyone who follows these pillars is called a practising Muslim and is highly respected in a Muslim society. The five pillars of Islam explained through the Qur’an and Sunnah, will help you understand the significance of these pillars in detail.
All five pillars of Islam are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. They are the practical expression of belief and faith. When you follow these pillars, you are proving your obedience and devotion to the Almighty. References from the Almighty’s book and the Prophet’s sayings are the perfect way to learn about the significance of these rituals and understand what these pillars are and why they matter.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam: Explained
Let’s talk about the five pillars of Islam in detail below for your understanding.
- Shahadah: Declaration of Faith
Shahadah is the foundation of Islam. Everyone who says a Shahadah enters the circle of Islam. This is a testimony of faith in the Almighty and his last messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It says as follows;
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlullāh.”
“I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
With this supplication, you accept the message of Tawheed, which is the basis of monotheistic religion and the appointment of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the last messenger of the Almighty.
- What Does the Quran Say About Shahadah?
“Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him…”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:18)
- What Does the Hadith Say About Shahadah?
“Islam is built upon five (pillars):
testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting the month of Ramadan.”
- Salah: Establishing the Prayer
Salah is an essential part of Islam. Every Muslim must stand before the Almighty five times a day for prayer. It not only strengthens your connection with the Almighty but also helps believers establish discipline, humility, and spiritual awareness.
- What Does the Quran Say About Salah?
“Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from immorality and wrongdoing.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at fixed times.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:103)
- What Does the Hadith Say About Salah?
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer.”
(Tirmidhi)
- Zakat: Obligatory Charity
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It purifies your wealth and promotes social justice. Every Muslim who is financially eligible must give this obligatory charity. It strengthens the community bond and is an excellent source of wealth circulation. There are specific amounts and requirements for that; you can check with your local imam.
- What Does the Quran Say About Zakat?
“Establish prayer and give Zakat.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
“Take charity from their wealth to purify and cleanse them.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
- What Does the Hadith Say About Zakat?
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
- Sawm: Fasting in the Month of Ramadan
Every Muslim must fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, bad habits, sins, and marital relations from dusk till dawn. It is not just a physical restraint. It promotes God-consciousness.
- What Does the Quran Say About Sawm?
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
- What Does the Hadith Say About Sawm?
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba
Every financially and physically eligible Muslim must perform Hajj at least once in their life. It is the ultimate symbol of devotion to the Almighty. Muslims from around the world gather at the pilgrimage sites in Makkah to fulfil this obligation and have the ultimate spiritual renewal.
- What Does the Quran Say About Hajj?
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find a way.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97)
- What Does the Hadith Say About Hajj?
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit obscenity or wrongdoing will return as the day his mother gave birth to him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Muslims who cannot perform Hajj try to perform Umrah. Although this doesn’t rid you of the obligation of Hajj, it promises a faith-reviving experience and gives you a chance to visit the sacred house of the Almighty. If you want to be among the lucky UK Muslims visiting the sacred Kaaba soon, you can look for Umrah packages for 2026.
Final Words
All five pillars of Islam are deeply grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. There are many instances in the Holy Quran and the Hadith books that teach us the importance and obligation of these pillars. These pillars serve as a constant reminder of your ultimate purpose in this world: to worship Allah Almighty. It also blesses your life and prepares you for the hereafter. The unity, humility, compassion, and spiritual revival that you experience through these pillars are also truly unmatched.
If you follow all the pillars but can’t perform the Hajj, and you yearn to visit the pilgrimage sites, it is time to apply for an Umrah visa. This voluntary pilgrimage also brings you closer to the Almighty and gives an overview of the obligatory Hajj.
