The five pillars of Islam – in brief

The foundation

Just as a house stands on pillars, religious practice in Islam rests on five basic duties. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) summed them up in a well-known saying: “Islam is built on five: bearing witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, performing the prayer, giving zakat, the pilgrimage, and fasting in Ramadan.” (in meaning, reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

This account follows the Hanafi school as taught by Diyanet. Our imam will gladly explain everything to you in person.

1. The declaration of faith (Shahada)

Everything begins with bearing witness to the one God and His Messenger:

“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illallāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhū wa rasūluh.” – “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”

2. Prayer (Salah)

Five times a day Muslims turn to God in prayer – at dawn, at midday, in the afternoon, after sunset and at night. When exactly, how often and how people pray is explained in the next article in this series.

3. Fasting in Ramadan (Sawm)

In the month of Ramadan, those who fast refrain from food, drink and everything that breaks the fast from dawn until sunset. The Quran says, in meaning: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” (Surah 2, verse 183)

4. Zakat

Anyone who, beyond their basic needs, has owned a certain minimum amount of wealth (nisab) for a full lunar year gives one fortieth of it – 2.5 percent – each year to people in need and the other groups named in the Quran. Zakat purifies wealth and strengthens solidarity.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Once in a lifetime, those who are physically and financially able make the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca. The Quran says, in meaning: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people – by everyone who is able to find a way there.” (Surah 3, verse 97)

Each of these pillars will get its own article in the coming weeks.