There is a way of life for every Muslim. These practices are known as the five pillars of Islam because they form the basis for Islam as per the Quranic teachings. All Muslims are expected to obey these duties, provided they have the physical health and the means to do so.
The five pillars of Islam constitute Shahadah (Profession of Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Saum (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage). Read more in detail:
WHAT ARE THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM?
Shahadah
Starting with the foremost and fundamental pillar of Islam - Shahadah refers to the declaration of faith. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the statement which translates to "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”.
Salah
These are the five daily prayers that are obligatory for every Muslim. Muslims pray to face the Qibla (the holy Kaaba) anywhere and perform a series of movements, submitting to Allah.
Zakat
Zakat is the act of giving to the needy and poor. Muslims are due a small amount of their annual savings to those eligible for Zakat. It is obligatory for all Muslims who have the means to do so.
Saum
This refers to fasting in the month of Ramadan, the 9th month in the Islamic Calendar. From sunrise till sunset, a Muslim has to abstain from food and drink, for the sake of Allah. There are exceptions for the sick and people travelling but they have to make up for their fasts.
Hajj
Hajj is referred to as the major pilgrimage in Islam, which every Muslim, who is able to, performs at least once in their lifetime. This is done in the month of Dhuʻl-Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic Calendar and involves a journey to the Makkah where a series of practices are done in the state of Ihram.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE PILLARS?
These are important for every person as they form a lifestyle for every Muslim. Through Shahadah, a Muslim fully commits to Allah and accepts Islam as his/her religion. Through Salah, a person remembers Allah daily and fully submits to Him. Through Zakat, the wealth is distributed amongst Muslims. Through Saum, a person learns self-control, leaving food and drink for the sake of Allah. Lastly, through the pilgrimage of Hajj, a Muslim cleanses his soul and gets his sins forgiven.
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