It has five basic elements which are called Pillars of Islam

1- Declaration

he Declaration, also known as the Shahada, is considered the first and foundational pillar of Islam. It is the testimony of faith that every Muslim is required to proclaim sincerely and wholeheartedly. The Shahada consists of two parts:

La ilaha illa Allah: This phrase translates to “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.” It affirms the belief in the oneness of Allah, emphasizing that He is the one and only true God.

Muhammad Rasul Allah: This phrase translates to “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” It affirms the belief that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet and messenger sent by Allah to guide humanity.

By reciting the Shahada with conviction and belief, an individual enters the fold of Islam, declaring their acceptance of Allah as the only God and Muhammad as His messenger. The Shahada is a testimony of faith and serves as the foundation upon which the other pillars of Islam are built.

• لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله (in Arabic)

2- Prayer

The pillar of Prayer, also known as Salah, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship and an essential component of a Muslim’s daily life. The pillar of Prayer encompasses the following aspects:

Performing the Five Daily Prayers: Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers at specific times throughout the day and night. These prayers are as follows:

Fajr: The pre-dawn prayer performed before sunrise.

Dhuhr: The midday prayer performed after the sun has passed its zenith.

Asr: The afternoon prayer performed in the late afternoon.

Maghrib: The evening prayer performed immediately after sunset.

Isha: The night prayer performed after the twilight has disappeared.

Ritual Purification (Wudu or Ghusl): Before performing the prayer, Muslims are required to perform ritual purification. This involves washing specific body parts (known as wudu) or, in certain circumstances, performing a full ritual bath (known as ghusl) to purify oneself physically and spiritually.

Facing the Kaaba in Prayer: Muslims are required to face the Kaaba, located in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during their prayers. This unifying direction provides a sense of unity and connects Muslims around the world.

Recitation of Quranic Verses and Supplications: During the prayer, specific verses from the Quran are recited in Arabic. Muslims also have the opportunity to supplicate and make personal prayers to Allah.

Physical Postures: The prayer involves a series of physical postures, including standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostrating (Sujud), and sitting (Julus). These postures are performed in a prescribed manner and serve as acts of worship and submission to Allah.

Prayer is considered a means of direct communication with Allah, promoting spiritual connection, humility, and gratitude. It serves as a regular reminder of one’s duties and responsibilities towards Allah and reinforces the relationship between the individual and their Creator. By performing the prayers diligently and sincerely, Muslims seek spiritual upliftment, purification, and closeness to Allah.

3- Fasting

The pillar of Fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It refers to the obligatory act of fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan. The pillar of Fasting encompasses the following aspects:

Observing the Month of Ramadan: Muslims are required to fast from dawn to sunset throughout the entire month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fasting begins with the pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and ends with the breaking of the fast at sunset called Iftar.

Abstinence from Food, Drink, and Intimate Relations: During the fasting hours, Muslims are required to abstain from consuming any food, drink, or engaging in intimate relations. This includes refraining from smoking and other activities that may invalidate the fast.

Spiritual Reflection and Devotion: Fasting is not merely abstaining from physical needs; it is also a time for increased devotion and spiritual reflection. Muslims are encouraged to engage in additional acts of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, voluntary prayers (Taraweeh), supplication, and acts of charity during the month of Ramadan.

Self-Discipline and Self-Control: Fasting teaches self-discipline and self-control as Muslims strive to control their desires and urges during the fasting hours. It helps in developing patience, perseverance, and empathy towards those who are less fortunate.

Seeking Nearness to Allah: Fasting during Ramadan is a means of seeking nearness to Allah, as it is an act of worship done purely for His sake. Muslims aim to attain spiritual purification, forgiveness for their sins, and an increase in their taqwa (consciousness and fear of Allah).

Community and Solidarity: Fasting during Ramadan fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. The collective experience of fasting together promotes a feeling of togetherness and empathy for those who are fasting alongside.

Eid al-Fitr Celebration: The month of fasting concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion where Muslims come together for prayers, community gatherings, and sharing meals. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and expressing thanks to Allah for the blessings of Ramadan.

Fasting in Islam holds significant spiritual and moral benefits, including increased self-awareness, empathy, gratitude, and the opportunity for personal growth. It is an act of worship that strengthens one’s relationship wit

4- Charity

The pillar of Charity, also known as Zakat, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It refers to the obligatory act of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. The pillar of Charity encompasses the following aspects:

Obligatory Giving: Zakat is a mandatory act of charity for those who meet specific criteria of wealth and financial stability. Muslims who possess a certain minimum amount of wealth (known as Nisab) are required to give a designated percentage of their wealth to help those in need.

Purification of Wealth: Zakat serves as a means of purifying one’s wealth and ensuring that it does not become a source of greed or attachment. By giving a portion of their wealth, Muslims purify their possessions and reaffirm the belief that wealth is a trust from Allah.

Specific Categories: Zakat is distributed among specific categories of people who are eligible to receive it, as defined by Islamic principles. These categories typically include the poor, the needy, those in debt, those working to collect and distribute Zakat, new converts to Islam, and others in need.

Calculation and Distribution: Zakat is calculated based on the specific guidelines mentioned in Islamic teachings. The calculation typically involves a percentage (2.5%) of a person’s eligible wealth and assets, such as cash, savings, investments, and certain types of properties. The Zakat is then distributed directly to the eligible recipients or through reputable charitable organizations.

Social Welfare and Solidarity: Zakat plays a significant role in promoting social welfare and fostering solidarity within the community. It aims to alleviate poverty, support the less fortunate, and create a sense of responsibility and compassion towards those in need. It also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims by encouraging them to help and support one another.

Voluntary Charity: In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to engage in voluntary acts of charity (Sadaqah) to further contribute to the well-being of society. Sadaqah can be given in various forms, including monetary donations, acts of kindness, volunteering, and supporting charitable causes.

By fulfilling the obligation of Zakat and engaging in voluntary acts of charity, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to social justice, empathy, and generosity. The pillar of Charity encourages the equitable distribution of wealth, supports those in need, and fosters a sense of compassion and solidarity within the Muslim community and beyond.

5- Pilgrimage

The pillar of Pilgrimage, also known as Hajj, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It refers to the obligatory pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The pillar of Pilgrimage encompasses the following aspects:

Obligatory Journey: Hajj is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. It is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that every Muslim should strive to perform if they meet the necessary requirements.

Time and Place: Hajj is performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th of the month. The pilgrimage takes place in and around the city of Mecca, where the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, is located.

Rituals and Actions: Hajj involves a series of prescribed rituals and actions that pilgrims perform in commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. These rituals include wearing the Ihram (a two-piece garment worn by pilgrims), circumambulating the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, standing in Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, stoning the pillars representing Satan, and performing the symbolic sacrifice of an animal.

Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal: Hajj is a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal for the pilgrims. It is a journey of self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. The physical hardships and unity of the pilgrims during Hajj serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the ultimate purpose of worshiping 

Global Muslim Gathering: Hajj is a unique gathering of Muslims from around the world. Muslims of different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds come together in Mecca, fostering a sense of unity and equality among all participants. It is a powerful demonstration of the universality of Islam and the brotherhood/sisterhood of believers.

Symbolism and Historical Significance: The rituals performed during Hajj symbolize various events and aspects of Islamic history, including the submission and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and his family to Allah’s commands. The rituals also commemorate the trials and sacrifices made by other prophets and righteous individuals.

Hajj holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims and is considered a transformative and life-changing experience. By undertaking this pilgrimage, Muslims seek forgiveness, spiritual elevation, and a deeper connection with Allah. It is a reminder of the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah and a reflection of the diversity and unity within the global Muslim community.

5 Pillars of Islam Shahadah Salah Zakah Siyam and Hajj | Quran Online Institute

The five pillars of Islam are as follows:

Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): The Shahadah is the testimony of faith that affirms the belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the fundamental declaration that “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Salah (Prayer): Salah is the ritual prayer performed five times a day, which serves as a direct connection between the individual and Allah. It involves physical postures and recitation of Quranic verses, supplications, and remembrance of Allah.

Zakah (Charity): Zakah is the obligatory act of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. It is a means of purifying one’s wealth and providing for the less fortunate in society. Zakah is calculated based on specific criteria and distributed to eligible recipients.

Siyam (Fasting): Siyam refers to the fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and intimate relations from dawn until sunset. Fasting is an act of worship and self-discipline, promoting spiritual reflection, empathy, and gratitude.

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is an obligatory act for those who are physically and financially capable. Hajj involves specific rituals and commemorates the acts of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.

These five pillars of Islam are considered the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. They encompass various aspects of worship, belief, and social responsibility, providing a comprehensive framework for a Muslim’s spiritual and practical life