The Five "Pillars" of Islam
The formal acts of worship in Islam are known as the five "pillars" are religious duties that provide a framework which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. These duties are performed regularly and encompass duties to God, to personal spiritual growth, to care for the poor, self-discipline, and sacrifice.
The Shahada or Declaration of Faith
The statement: there is no God but God (Allah) ﷻ and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him)
Say (O Muhammad to mankind), ‘If you love God, follow me, and God will love you and forgive you your sins; God is most forgiving, most merciful.’ [Quran 3:31]
This is God, your Lord, there is no God but Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him; He is in charge of everything. [Quran 6:102]
The Daily Prayers (Salat)
The obligatory prayers are performed five times a day and are a direct link between the worshipper and God, standing before his Lord, every day in a state of purity and humility, thanking his Lord for His blessings, asking Him of His bounty, seeking His forgiveness for his sins, asking Him for Paradise and seeking refuge in Him from Hell.
The five obligatory prayers which are required day and night are
- Fajr (early morning, before dawn)
- Zuhr (mid-day, just after noon)
- ‘Asr (mid afternoon)
- Maghrib (just after sunset)
- ‘Ishaa’ (at night, after dark has fallen)
Many a time We have seen you [Prophet] turn your face towards Heaven, so We are turning you towards a prayer direction that pleases you. Turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever you [believers] may be, turn your faces to it. Those who were given the Scripture know with certainty that this is the Truth from their Lord: God is not unaware of what they do. [Quran 2:144]
Prayer is obligatory for the believers at prescribed times. [Quran 4:103]
[Prophet], recite what has been revealed to you of the Scripture; keep up the prayer: prayer restrains outrageous and unacceptable behavior. Remembering God is greater: God knows everything you are doing. [Quran 29:45]
Giving Alms or Zakat
It is central to a Muslim’s core belief that everything we have comes from Allah ﷻ, and is not ours to hoard or covet. It purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. Typically 2.5% from one’s wealth and assets given annually to help the poor and needy.
If you give charity openly, it is good, but if you keep it secret and give to the needy in private, that is better for you, and it will atone for some of your bad deeds: God is well aware of all that you do. [Quran 2:271]
Alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need winning over, to free slaves and help those in debt, for God’s cause, and for travelers in need. This is ordained by God; God is all knowing and wise. [Quran 9:60]
Fasting
Purifying the heart, mind, and body to help us empathize with those less fortunate, helps us to reprioritize our lives, and brings us closer to Allah ﷻ in strengthened faith. Done annually for an entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar from dawn to sunset. Abstaining from things which break the fast, such as food, drink and intercourse, with the intention of fasting.
You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God. [Quran 2:183]
Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, on other days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate- feed a needy person. But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew. [Quran 2:184]
It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful. [Quran 2:185]
Hajj or Pilgrimage
At least once in one's lifetime, every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to sacrifice time, wealth, status, and ordinary comforts of life to make the Hajj pilgrimage, putting himself totally at God’s service.
Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people who are able to undertake it. Those who reject this [should know that] God has no need of anyone. [Quran 3:97]