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22 September 2026 11 Rabi' al-Thani 1448 AH

The five pillars of Islam

The Prophet ﷺ said that Islam is built on five: (Bukhari 8, Muslim 16)

  1. Shahadah — testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah.
  2. Salah — establishing the five daily prayers. (See: Learn Salah)
  3. Zakat — once a year giving a set share of one’s wealth, above the nisab, to those in need.
  4. Sawm — fasting the month of Ramadan.
  5. Hajj — pilgrimage to the House of Allah once in a lifetime for whoever is able.

They are like the pillars of a house: without them the house cannot stand. The following lessons explain each one.