The pillars of Islām are the five foundational acts of worship Muslim must uphold. They are:
- Shahādah (Testimony of Faith): Declaring that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad is His Messenger.
- Ṣalāh (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers to connect with Allāh and maintain a routine of devotion and worship.
- Zakāh (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, as a means of purifying wealth and helping the community.
- Ṣawm (Fasting): Observing the fast during the month of Ramadan as a way to build self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
- Ḥajj (Pilgrimage): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is able, as an act of devotion and unity with the global Muslim community.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Islām is built upon five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh, establishing the prayer, paying the zakāh, performing the ḥajj, and fasting in the month of Ramadan.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16