The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of faith (Shahadah)
One must profess this testimony of faith, summarized in the two testimonies:
(a) There is no deity rightfully worshipped but Allah
(b) Muhammad is His Messenger.
Through the belief and attestation of the Testimony of Faith (Shahadah) one enters the fold of Islam. It is the central belief that a believer maintains throughout his life, and is the basis for all his beliefs and worship.
2. Formal Prayers (Salah)
One must offer the five daily prayers at their specific times. Through the prayer, a Muslim maintains his relationship with Allah, comes to remember Him often, and avoids falling into sin.
3. Compulsory Charity (Zakah)
Those who have stored a certain amount of wealth must allot a specific portion of it annually to designated deserving recipients.
4. Fasting (Sawm)
Muslims must fast for a period of one lunar month, which is the month of Ramadan, by refraining from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk. The goal of fasting, as mentioned in the Quran, is to increase one’s piety and God-consciousness.
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Pilgrimage to the House of God, the Kabah, in Mecca is obligatory for every able Muslim once in a lifetime. The Hajj is a physical and visual proof of the brotherhood of humanity, and their equality in servitude in front of Allah.
Information courtesy:https://www.ask-a-muslim.com/en/first-level-lesson-6-the-five-pillars-of-islam-in-brief/
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