Pillars of Islam

Author: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (حفظه الله)

"Islam is built upon five pillars: the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting during Ramadan."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Nikah: 5076]

Key Points Derived from the Hadith​

The reason behind this hadith’s narration is linked to an incident where a man named Hakeem approached Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) and questioned why he alternated between Hajj and Umrah every year but refrained from participating in Jihad. Abdullah replied by emphasizing that the foundation of Islam lies in these five pillars, which do not explicitly include Jihad.

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Tafsir: 4514]

Although Jihad holds significant importance in Islam, it is considered a Fard Kifayah (communal obligation) that becomes a Fard Ayn (individual obligation) under specific circumstances. It is important to note that Islam is not limited to these five pillars; all commands and prohibitions of Shariah are integral to Islam.

Faith (Iman) and Islam: A Unified Concept​

Scholars have agreed that faith (Iman) and Islam refer to two aspects of the same reality. Allah describes Islam as the chosen religion:
"Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam."
[Surah Al-Imran: 19]

• Inner and Outer States:
  • Iman pertains to internal belief.
  • Islam pertains to outward actions and practices, such as prayer, fasting, and Hajj.
    Thus, a person’s adherence to these practices can indicate their faith.

Testimony of Faith: A Shield from Hellfire​

"Whoever sincerely testifies that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger will be saved from Hellfire."

Key Benefits:​

• This testimony must come from the depths of the heart.
• At the Battle of Tabuk, the Prophet (ﷺ) stated that anyone who meets Allah without doubting this testimony will certainly enter Paradise.

The testimony encapsulates two aspects:

1. Lā ilāha illā Allāh: Declaring Allah’s oneness in His Lordship (Rubūbiyyah), Worship (Ulūhiyyah), and Names and Attributes (Asmā wa Ṣifāt).
2. Muḥammad Rasūl Allāh: Affirming the truth of all that the Prophet (ﷺ) brought and pledging to follow it wholeheartedly.

Prayer: The Foundation of Worship​

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed:
"Pray as you have seen me praying."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Manners: 6008]

• Context: The Prophet (ﷺ) taught a group of young companions how to pray during their 20-day stay. He emphasized returning to their families to teach them religion and prayer.
• Key Takeaway: Prayer, from Takbir al-Ihram to Salam, must follow the Prophet’s (ﷺ) example. It is the first act judged on the Day of Judgment, determining success or failure.

Zakat: Purifying Wealth​

Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) fought those who refused to pay Zakat after the Prophet’s (ﷺ) death, declaring it an inseparable part of Islam. Zakat purifies wealth and holds great significance as a financial act of worship.

Fasting in Ramadan: A Means of Forgiveness​

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, their past sins will be forgiven."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Fasting: 1901]

• Conditions:
  1. Faith (Iman): Sincerity in belief.
  2. Expectation of Reward (Ihtisab): Hope for Allah’s reward.
• Limitations: Forgiveness does not include violations of human rights, which require reconciliation with the aggrieved parties.

Hajj: A Path to Paradise​

"The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but Paradise."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Umrah: 1773]

• Accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabroor): Free from sins and insincerity.
• Women’s Hajj is equated with Jihad, as highlighted by the Prophet (ﷺ) when addressing Aisha (رضي الله عنها).
• Observing proper conduct during Hajj, such as avoiding sin, ensures that one returns as pure as a newborn child.

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Love for Allah and His Messenger​

"You will be with those you love on the Day of Judgment."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Manners: 6171]

• Key Point: Loving Allah and His Messenger leads to their company in the Hereafter.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that complete faith requires prioritizing love for him over all else, including oneself.

Innovations in Religion​

"Whoever introduces something new into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not from it, it is rejected."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book of Judicial Decisions: 4493]

• Definition of Innovation (Bid’ah): Any practice introduced into the religion without basis in the Qur'an or Sunnah.
• Examples of Bid’ah:
  1. Inventing new acts of worship.
  2. Adding to established rituals (e.g., extra units in prayer).

The Prophet (ﷺ) warned against innovations, describing them as misguidance leading to ruin.