THE PILLARS OF ISLAM

Islam is founded on pillars, functioning similar to those of a building. Just as the strength and stability of a building depends on the strength of its pillars, its pillars reinforce Islam’s unity and strength. Therefore, if Muslims sincerely believe in Islam and deeply cherish its cause for love and peace throughout mankind, they are duty bound to understand the nature of its pillars and prevent any compromise to their integrity. Only then can Islam endure and flourish in the world and yield its manifold blessings and benefits for humanity.

Rasulullah (S), declared that Islam is founded on five fundamentals, known as its pillars, which are:

1. Iman : to affirm the principle:
   "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”;
2. To establish the Salah;
3. To pay the Zakah dues;
4. To fast during the month of Ramadan (Sawm);
5. To perform the Hajj, pilgrimage to Makkah, once in a lifetime.

By Muhammad Yusuf Islahi (Everyday Fiqh Vol. 1)